The 35-year-old former Dragons captain, who was born in Abercynon, has made over 70 appearances at hooker, since his arrival at the region in 2013, and has 27 caps for Wales – winning his last on tour in South Africa in 2008.
Thomas’ international experience and varied career – which has also seen him make 128 appearances for Cardiff Blues and spend a season at London Wasps – will all inform his new role within the Dragons coaching set-up.
“I am delighted to be able to bring Thomas Rhys Thomas into our coaching team as I feel he has the attributes to make an outstanding coach,” said Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman.
“At the Dragons, we want to build a reputation for developing players and coaches and Rhys is the type of character who epitomises the values that are important to us in our group.”
Due to Thomas’ move into coaching, Jackman has added two exciting young front row prospects, Liam Belcher and Gerard Ellis, to the squad.
Both Belcher and Ellis have immediately joined up with the Dragons, who are in the midst of intensive pre-season training.
Church Village-born 21-year-old Belcher joins the Dragons following time at Cardiff Blues and Principality Premiership side Pontypridd.
The promising forward made his debut for Cardiff Blues in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2014 and was capped for Wales U20s during the Junior World Championships in 2015.
Ellis has been recruited to the region from London Irish, after joining the Exiles aged just 14 years of age and progressing through their academy system, into the senior squad.
The 24-year-old is a former back row player and is Welsh qualified.
“We have been able to strengthen our options by recruiting Gerard and Liam,” added Jackman.
“Both are young hookers who have lots of potential and who will compete with Rhys Buckley and Elliot Dee for the starting hooker position.
“Liam comes to us from the Cardiff Blues and has represented Wales at under 20’s level, whilst Gerrard came to my attention when he played for London Irish against Grenoble in the Challenge Cup and is a very explosive ball carrier.
“Both players have settled in quickly and I am looking forward to seeing them play in pre-season and staking their claim for a starting shirt.”
