Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce that Gareth Thomas is the latest player to re-sign for the region, following on from his front row colleagues Nicky Smith and Scott Otten.
- Prop is the sixth Osprey so far to re-sign for next season
- Made his 50th appearance against Glasgow at the Liberty in November and now stands on 60 games for the Ospreys
- Described as "a quality person with an outstanding attitude and hunger to constantly improve" Thomas impressed in Europe and the Guinness PRO14 this season
The 25-year old loose head has signed a two-year contract to stay at the Liberty Stadium, taking the number of players who have agreed new deals to six.
Thomas moved to the Ospreys five years ago, signing from Carmarthen Quins, and has made 60 appearances to date. His debut was an LV= Cup clash with Saracens at the Gnoll in November 2014, his PRO12 debut coming two weeks later against Leinster in Dublin. Just a week after that, he featured against Racing Metro in the European Cup. His 50th appearance came against Glasgow at the Liberty Stadium this season.
Capped at age-grade level, Thomas was an integral part of a successful Wales U20 squad that reached the Junior World Championship semi-final in 2012 before going one better a year a later, reaching the final for the first time. His first senior Wales call-up came two years ago when he was selected for the South Sea Island tour.
“I’m really pleased, it’s an exciting two years ahead” said Thomas.
“There’s healthy competition here with Nicky (Smith) and Rhodri (Jones) as well. The three of us battling it out makes me work harder, that’s what drives me every day, to try and compete with those two. I know they are great players but the competition is healthy and, hopefully, I can get more starts next year.”
Head Coach, Allen Clarke, welcomed the news, saying Gareth has a bright future ahead of him:
“Gar has shown what a valuable member of the squad he is having played excellently in important victories for us this season, particularly when both Nicky and Rhodri have been unavailable due to injury.
"He's comparatively young for a prop and at 25 years of age has his best years ahead of him. He's a quality person with an outstanding attitude and hunger to constantly improve. I'm delighted he's re-signed for us for another two years and I look forward to seeing him continue to challenge for the starting loose head position."
Cory Allen, Dan Evans and Luke Morgan have also signed new deals ahead of next season and they will be joined at the Liberty Stadium by Grand Slam winner, Gareth Anscombe, and off the field, the newly appointed Forwards Coach, Carl Hogg.
