“Although we play against the same nations every year, the big rivalry between the teams always continues,” says Thomas, who is playing in an impressive twelfth championship.
Things have come a long way since her first taste of Women’s Six Nations rugby. “My recollections are of me sitting on the bench for a long time as an 18-year-old,” she laughs. “It was great for me, but I never got any game time. I’d be on the bench begging to go on, but at the same time terrified of finally stepping on the field.”
It’s a completely different story now, of course. Over a decade in the front row is bound to teach a person a thing or two.
“I understand the game much more and feel I feel I can make a real impact form our set-piece, working tactically on our scrums from areas across the pitch,” explains Thomas.
“You learn a lot about your leadership capabilities, particularly when the chips are down, or how to win little battles that help to build confidence. Hopefully when I say something people will listen, and it would be good to think I bring something positive to the team.”
The team was in need of a good performance against Ireland last weekend – as Thomas puts it, an “emotionally tough” day for Wales in light of Elli Norkett’s passing – and duly delivered one. Despite a narrow loss against the women in green at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Thomas agrees that it was an improvement for Wales. “In comparison to our games against England and Scotland, we have to be pretty happy,” she says. “I really feel we’re starting to build strength in depth as a nation.”
She references players currently not in the squad who are pushing for places. “There are good athletes and players who are biting at our heels. That’s fantastic for Wales as we build towards the World Cup in Ireland. We’re able to remain positive in training, even when things are not going so well – plus we’ve got good coaches who are bringing in structures that add to our armoury.”
One of those coaches is former Llanelli and Newport hooker Paul Young, who oversees the forwards. “Paul’s a good guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. If you’ve done something wrong, you definitely know about it! Our lineouts have really developed, and our hookers, Carys Phillips and Lowri Harries, are throwing on point. That’s really powerful for us going forward.”
Although a Carmarthen girl through and through, she has been plying her trade for several years over the bridge in Bath. “I’m the Inclusion Manager for the Bath Rugby Foundation, where I head up disability and employability projects,” she explains. “It involves working with young people with disabilities looking to increase their physical activity, and young adults who are out of education, or not enjoying school, and utilising sport as a tool to engage them and improve their circumstances. I love it.”
If rugby didn’t already occupy most of her days, she now coaches the University of Bath Women’s Rugby team as well. “That role focuses a bit more on player development. You get such a wide range of people in the team, from people who’ve never played rugby before to girls who are on the sevens circuit with England, so it’s always enjoyable.”
That enjoyment has translated into results on the pitch, since the team has this year won the cup and the league. “Those girls will always have those memories, and it’s nice to be part of their journey through university rugby,” says Thomas proudly.
This year’s Women’s Six Nations has taught her many things which will benefit her across all strands of her rugby life. “It’s really going to put me in a good place, including learning defensive structures that I haven’t thought about before,” she says. “Just little tweaks can really improve you. Rowland Phillips has come in with a unique coaching style to others I’ve worked with before, so it’s interesting to learn about different schools of thought.”
Tonight’s match against France in Brive’s Stade Amedee-Domenech – said to be a sell-out – will be Wales’ final capped international before they take on New Zealand on 9th August in their Women’s Rugby World Cup opener. Will it be a chance for players to cement their place or make a case for selection?
“You’re always out to impress, even in training, but it’s in that pressure situation that it really counts,” believes Thomas. “Playing well tonight certainly won’t hurt anyone’s chances, that’s for sure. France away is always a tough game. The last time we were out there it seemed 9000 people and us 15 on the pitch. Just an amazing atmosphere. It’s one to remember, and tonight will be no different.”
France Women v Wales Women kicks off tonight at 20:00 (GMT), and will be live on www.wru.co.uk and streamed live here.
