Mickey Rourke to start filming Gareth Thomas biopic

London: `The Wrestler` star Mickey Rourke has announced his plans to start shooting his Gareth Thomas biopic just days after the gay rugby star retired from the sport. The 55-year-old actor, who has given Thomas` followers something to smile about by announcing the movie, plans to start work next year, Daily Star reported. The Welsh sportsman, who `came out` as the game`s first gay star, shocked fans last week when he revealed his plans to quit rugby because he can no longer "give 100 per cent" to his team Crusaders. "I think I beat the studio out there by about four days to get the rights to his life story. He announced his retirement a few days ago and hopefully in March do it. I`ve been writing the script for the past year," Rourke said. Rourke`s film will follow Thomas` rugby career and focus on his sexuality, which he kept secret until `coming out` in 2009, becoming the first openly gay professional male athlete in a team sport. PTI