ARWEL TO BE AN ALL BLACK

Thomas, 30, left English side Harlequins at the end of last season and has now opted to return to the Gnoll to sign a two-year-deal with the Welsh All Blacks.

The 30-year-old former Swansea, Bristol, Pau, Celtic Warriors and Scarlet No.10 made 23 appearances for Wales, but often played second fiddle to leading points scorer Neil Jenkins. Having been blighted by injuries since his Wales days, Thomas failed to re-establish himself at senior level with spells at French side Pau, the Scarlets and a short-term deal with Harlequins proving unsuccessful.

And now he accepts he must search for a job outside rugby to run alongside his Neath commitments in order to support his family.

“I will get a job outside rugby and give my family more stability,” he said. “I have had enough of slogging my guts out in training every day and not getting the chance to play at weekends, which is what happened at the Scarlets.

“There were other enquiries about my availability to play professionally, but it was just a year here, or a year there and the money being offered wasn’t great.”

Thomas began his career with Neath back in 1994 but is optimistic of his return to his old club and will be approaching the new season with enthusiasm.

“I enjoyed my time with Neath at the start of my career and I’m looking forward to playing for them again,” he said. “Neath have a good set-up. I know they have an up-and-coming fly-half in James Hook but I’m sure there’ll be opportunities for us both.”