| Gareth Thomas (rugby Player) |
Article Index for Gareth Thomas |
Website Links For Gareth |
Information AboutGareth Thomas (rugby Player) |
|
He is known as 'Alfie' due to a supposed resemblance to a character in a sitcom called '' ALF '' (alien life form). His way of celebrating tries by slapping his head is called 'the Ayatollah', used as a reminder that Thomas is a keen Cardiff City supporter (the Ayatollah is a popular celebration amongst Cardiff fans). Gareth Thomas is recognised worldwide as one of the best three-quarters in international rugby and has achieved much in his career. He scored a Welsh record-equalling four tries in the match against Italy in Treviso in 1999; one of only seven players to achieve that feat for his country. He also holds the record for the most international tries for his country, currently with 37 in 86 tests. He surpassed the record previously held by Ieuan Evans in 2004 against Italy. He also got a hat-trick of tries in the 2nd Test against Japan in 2001; 51 appearances after announcing his arrival on the international scene with a hat-trick in the 1995 World Cup game against the same opposition. Equally at home at Centre, it was from that position he scored the longest interception try ever seen at the Arms Park, a 90 metre dash against Australia in 1996. Alfie as he is commonly known was selected for The British Lions Tour of New Zealand in 2005. Following injury to Brian O'Driscoll in the opening minutes of the1st test against New Zealand, he was made captain for the second and third tests of the series, becoming the ninth Welsh skipper in Lions history. On the club scene Alfie started his career at Bridgend RFC, before signing for Pontypridd , but never actually played a game for them before resigning for Bridgend. He then spent a spell at Cardiff RFC before rejoining hometown club Bridgend RFC again and captaining them to a Welsh Premier Division title in a campaign where they were unbeaten at home and only lost to runners-up Neath RFC and Cardiff RFC away from home. He then joined the Celtic Warriors once the Welsh Rugby Union implemented it's highly controversial regional rugby plans. After one season as captain of the Warriors the region were disbanded by the controversial WRU chief David Moffett and owner Leighton Samuel. Alfie was already on his way out before this as he had agreed a deal to join French giants Toulouse where he was seen as the ideal replacement for soon to retire captain Emile Ntamack. He helped the club to a Heineken Cup victory in 2005 after a victory over Stade Français at Murrayfield . Thomas is currently considering his direction in rugby after the resignation of Welsh coach Mike Ruddock in February 2006 was blamed on player power from senior players. The stress from the surrounding controversy has led to health problems for the Welsh captain; he currently has a ruptured artery in his neck which it has been reported could even force him to retire, although in interviews he has stated that he is not to retire anytime soon. |
|
|