Mr Thomas played for the Scarlets in the 1920s and 1930s and though he was rated unlucky not to be picked against the ‘Invincible’ New Zealand side of 1924, he played in the club’s victory over the 1926-27 Maoris and in the match against the 1927-28 Australian Warathas side.
He played as a wing forward – now known as flanker – and reports described him as a player always having the knack of being close to the ball, quick in the tackle and with ball in hand. He was rated unlucky never to earn a cap for Wales.
He died peacefully at the Ty Nair Nursing Home, having lived in Llwynhendy, Llanelli in a house appropriately named – Stradey House. He leaves a daughter, Nesta, but his wife and a son predeceased him. The funeral will take place on Friday – 2.45pm at Llanelli Crematorium.
