Ever wondered how sport can change the world? Rugby legend Gareth Thomas is bringing the powerful Tackle HIV campaign to the Women’s Rugby World Cup fan zone! He’s challenging misconceptions and sparking crucial conversations about HIV awareness. What kind of impact can a single conversation have?
Rugby legend Gareth Thomas is steadfast in his commitment to public health, spearheading the Tackle HIV campaign at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 fanzone in Manchester. This initiative, founded with ViiV Healthcare, strategically leverages the unifying power of sport to combat stigma and enhance education surrounding the human immunodeficiency virus.
Thomas, a revered former Wales international and Lions skipper, will be actively engaging with fans in Piccadilly Gardens. His presence from 11am to 4pm on Saturday will coincide with key World Cup fixtures, including Wales versus Canada and Scotland against Fiji, providing a vibrant backdrop for crucial health conversations.
A core element of his fan zone interaction involves hosting an engaging hand-eye coordination passing game. This interactive activity serves as a clever icebreaker, fostering a relaxed environment where fans can comfortably discuss HIV, thereby normalizing what can often be a sensitive and challenging subject.
The year 2025 marks a significant period for women’s sports in the UK, with the nation hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup. While celebrating these advancements and the rise of female role models, wider societal challenges, including discrimination and a lack of opportunities in health and education, persist and demand urgent attention.
Persistent myths surrounding HIV contribute significantly to stigma and discrimination, often obscuring the fact that women constitute a substantial proportion of all HIV cases globally and within the UK. Many mistakenly believe the virus primarily affects gay men, highlighting a critical gap in public understanding that the Tackle HIV campaign aims to bridge.
Gareth Thomas emphasizes that sport provides an unparalleled platform to initiate and foster diverse discussions. He articulated his excitement about engaging with a wide array of people at the fanzone, stressing that HIV is not exclusive to gay and bisexual men, and that empowering individuals with accurate information can profoundly benefit communities.
Building on the success of similar engagements at the 2023 Men’s Rugby World Cup in France, Thomas hopes the inviting atmosphere in Manchester will encourage openness. The campaign, partnered with the Terrence Higgins Trust, exemplifies how strategic sports initiatives can drive public education, understanding, and meaningful social change.
Survey findings from the Tackle HIV campaign underscore widespread misconceptions, revealing that a significant percentage of people believe heterosexual individuals cannot contract HIV and that single sexual encounters pose no risk. Furthermore, a staggering number remain unaware that effective treatment renders someone living with HIV unable to transmit the virus sexually, perpetuating outdated stigmas.
Thomas expressed his honour in contributing to this “great celebration of female sport,” thanking tournament organizers for providing a vital platform. He believes the fanzone epitomizes the unity sport can bring, underscoring the campaign’s commitment to highlighting the diverse demographics affected by HIV and creating a more informed and compassionate society.
