FORMER Great Britain and Crusaders coach Brian Noble has been signed up as an adviser on a Hollywood film about the life of rugby star Gareth Thomas.

Negotiations are currently going on with film industry moguls about details of the movie, which will see actor Mickey Rourke play Thomas, who was the first professional rugby player in Britain to come out as gay.

Noble, who left Wrexham-based rugby league outfit Crusaders last autumn and coached Thomas in his first season at The Racecourse, has held talks with the as yet untitled film’s directors and is due to meet Rourke next month to discuss his role, to which he was attracted after watching the 2009 Challenge Cup final.

Emmanuel Paladino, who is agent for both Thomas, the former Wales rugby union captain, and Noble, said: “Brian is a good choice for the role of adviser on the film because he is one of the biggest names in rugby and crosses over into both codes.

“But he is more than a rugby person because he has personality and is a great character.

“He wants to make sure the rugby part of the film is as accurate and credible as possible.

“His role will be to liaise with Gareth and Mickey.

“Brian will be looking to recruit players for the role across both codes.”

He added: “If all goes to plan, filming should start at the end of this year.

“We are not yet sure where the filming will be done, but some of it could be in Hollywood.

“However, Mickey has said he wants to see as much of it as possible filmed in Wales.

“Mickey really wants to play this role and is taking it very seriously.”