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Curtain call for Arwel

Curtain call for Arwel

Fifteen years on from his debut for Neath, against local rivals Aberavon, Arwel Thomas will celebrate his 100th game for his club in what promises to be another intriguing Konica Minolta Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (6.00pm).

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The former Swansea, Ospreys, Bristol, Harlequins, Scarlets, Pau and Wales outside half will get one last chance to display the silky handling skills and sublime kicking qualities that placed him on a pedestal during the 1990s.

Next season, Thomas will help out on the coaching front at The Gnoll, the first rung on what will almost certainly be another stage of a successful rugby career. After all, as he has shown since he first sprung to the fore in 1993, talent can bring unbridled success.

WRU Audio Special: Listen to interview with Neath captain Lee Beech

WRU Audio Special: Listen to interview with Pontypridd coach Dale McIntosh


“I might have played in some big games in the past, but this game means as much to me as anyone,” said Thomas, whose international career with Wales brought 216 points in 23 matches.


“I made my debut for Neath and I will play my last game for the club. It could hardly be better. The shirt means so much to me because it was as a Welsh All Black that I made my senior debut.


“It seems a long time ago now, but the support will be the same and the feeling in the dressing room will be the same. Rugby Union might have change since 1993, but the club is as passionate now as it ever has been.”


As Swansea’s third most prolific points scorer with 1,965 points (39 tries, 338 penalties, 32 drop goals and 330 conversions) in 152 appearances between 1993-1994 and 2002-2003, Thomas could be excused for having split loyalties.


But when he runs out at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday evening, there will be black blood running through his veins.


“I love pulling on the jersey and I will be very proud to do so on Saturday. Our support has been fantastic in recent seasons and win, lose or draw, those fans will have a great day out in Cardiff.


“That’s what it’s all about and it’s why I have decided to take on a coaching role with the club next season. I didn’t consider going anywhere else, so when the offer came to go into coaching at The Gnoll next term, I didn’t have to think twice.”


Although Pontypridd did the double over the Principality Premiership champions this season, Thomas missed the second game between the sides due to injury. However, he’s back now and ready to do battle with one side who can claim to have the Indian sign over the Welsh All Blacks.


“I must admit, I missed the last game between the sides so at least I haven’t suffered twice this season like some of the boys. Still, those results will provide Ponty with plenty of confidence and to be honest, unless we show a bit more care and attention, we will find ourselves up against it.”


If it does become a tense affair, then Thomas will be in his element. A player with sublime touch, the product of Trebanos Youth will thrive on the opportunity to steal the limelight. After all, during his spell in possession of the Wales jersey, Thomas was never far from the action, always ready to grab the headlines.


“It was the way I have always played. Obviously I made mistakes, many of which would have been punished, but I enjoy playing that way and trying to make things happen.


“Sometimes people remember my playing days for Wales for the wrong reasons, but I wouldn’t swap the experience. Okay, so I might have got a bit tasty with Philippe Carbonneau or dropped the odd ball, but when I look back, I have fond memories.


“Anyway, what a lot of people don’t know is that as far as Carbonneau was concerned, we ended up being training partners in the same team when I went to Pau. The boys all ribbed me about what happened, but the two of us became good friends and that is what rugby is all about.”


For Thomas and Neath, this weekend’s game has special meaning, in more ways than one. But from whistle one to the time that one of the skippers lifts the coveted trophy, the players’ thoughts will be with popular scrum half Gareth Jones who suffered such a shocking injury in the recent game against Cardiff.


Jones is still battling in hospital and Thomas quite rightly said, “Whilst it will be a great day in one way, my thoughts and those of the players on both teams, will be with Gareth and his family. It was a terrible thing to happen and we are all just praying that he will come through. As his half back partner I got to know ‘Snid’ really well. Best of luck mate, get well soon.”



Neath team v Pontypridd, Konica Minolta Cup Final:
Gareth King; Kevin James, Steve Thomas, Wayne Mitchell, Matthew Nuthall; Arwel Thomas, Martin Roberts; Martin Jones, Andy Littehales, Ross Davies, Euros Evans, Martin Morgan, Gareth Gravell, James Merriman, Lee Beach (Capt)


Replacements: Jimmy Richards, Craig Mitchell, Nicky Downs, Steve Martin, Andrew Llewellyn, Gareth James, Howard Thomas

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