RUGBY star Gareth Thomas has one of the most glittering fixtures of his life next month.

The former Wales captain, who now plays for Wrexham-based Crusaders, has landed a coveted invitation to the Royal wedding on April 29.

The player known affectionately to fans as ‘Alfie’ will be one of 1,900 guests packing Westminster Abbey for a close-up view as Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot.

And Thomas will be among distinguished company. Also on the guest list are the entire Royal Family, senior members of the government, UK and foreign royalty and celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham.

People who have come into contact with Prince William will also be present, including those who have been homeless and soldiers injured in Afghanistan and Iraq.

But not all the guests at the service will go on to a Buckingham Palace reception.

Thomas’s agent Emmanuel Paladino says ‘Alfie’ will be one of those whose official invitation of a white card gilded with gold and die-stamped with the Queen’s initials extends only to the Abbey service.

He has been invited because he knows Prince William through rugby circles.

Mr Paladino said: “Getting the invitation was a pleasant surprise for him and he is definitely looking forward to it very much.

“It is not every day you get to go to a Royal wedding.

“Gareth will be attending the service at Westminster Abbey and he thinks it should be an excellent and fun day.”

Things are generally going very well for Thomas at the moment.

Away from the rugby field, he is closely involved with preparations for a Hollywood movie depicting his life, due to star American actor Mickey Rourke.

Thomas was the first professional rugby player in Britain to come out as gay.

Mr Paladino said: “Gareth is acting as an adviser on the movie and everything is going ahead as planned.

“He has recently been in Los Angeles meeting the writer and producer.”

Former Great Britain and Crusaders coach Brian Noble is also acting as an adviser on the film.