WALES CLEAN UP AT BBC AWARDS

Thomas, Wales’ record try scorer, capped a remarkable year that saw him lead his country to their first Grand Slam in 27 years, become only the eighth Welsh player to win a Heineken Cup winners medal with Toulouse, take over the captaincy of the British & Irish Lions from Brian O’Driscoll and spearhead Wales to a first win over Australia in 18 years, picked up the individual award. The Welsh Grand Slammers were voted ‘Team of the Year’.

In becoming the first Welsh rugby player to take the coveted BBC Wales title since Scott Gibbs in 1997, Thomas followed in a long line of successful Welsh skippers who were honoured in the same way.
Clive Rowlands picked up the title, then the Western Mail Sports Personality of the Year award, in 1965 after Wales had won the Triple Crown. John Dawes, in 1971, and Mervyn Davies, in 1976, earned their crowns in Grand Slam seasons, while Phil Bennett carried off the prize in 1977 after another Triple Crown campaign.

Other Welsh internationals who have won the award are Ken Jones, in 1954, Bryn Meredith, in 1961, and Gareth Edwards, in 1974. Thomas beat off strong challenges from Manchester United superstar Ryan Giggs, World Team Golf  title winner Stephen Dodd, world boxing champion Joe Calzaghe, Olympic swimming medallist David Davies and Ashes bowling hero Simon Jones.
 
“It has been a great year for us all, I can’t believe I do something that I love and get recognition like this. Every member of the Wales side and all the back-room staff have been part of a dream that we made come true,” said Thomas.

“My team mates with Toulouse and the Lions have also been just superb. But I have to thank my family more than anything, they’ve stood by me through everything.

“I don’t think I could have won more this year if I’d wanted to!”