Thomas is one of an elite band of Welsh players who knows how it feels to taste Heineken Cup glory.
The nine-cap Wales international thought he had stepped out at the home of Welsh rugby for the last time many moons ago, but now he is back with his Abergavenny side for one last shot at silverware as they eye their first WRU National Bowl triumph.
The 43-year-old Thomas, who made his Test match bow against South Africa in Cardiff 23 years ago, has slowly given in to the pull of lacing his boots back up to help the Gwent side secure the biggest game in their 144-year history.
Now he has Oakdale in his sights as he plans to help his team to glory at the home of Welsh rugby.
Thomas played his home Wales internationals before the Principality Stadium was built, but can’t wait to take to the field.
“I definitely did not think I would be lacing my boots up and running out at Principality Stadium pitch,” Thomas said.
“I stopped playing properly about five years ago, I threw my boots away, but somehow I got coerced into playing again.
“I started coaching Abergavenny two years ago. They were the first senior club I’ve coached having coached schoolboys at Llandovery college.
“When I got the opportunity to coach here I suddenly got the bug back for playing, got persuaded to play again by our chairman Huw Beavan, and the rest is history.”
Remarkably, Thomas only completed his first 80 minutes since officially retiring five years ago at Llanharan’s Dairy Field this month. He helped his men overturn a 10-point deficit in their semi-final clash with Nantgaredig to book a final showdown with Division 3 East A rivals Oakdale.
Thomas is hoping he can impart some big game wisdom to ensure his Abergavenny charges do not get overawed by the huge occasion 21 years on from lifting the biggest prize in European club rugby.
He said: “I’ve been having little 20 minute cameos here and there throughout the last two years and played my first 80 minutes in the semi-final. It did all sorts to my body!
“We know everyone is going to be up for the day, but sometimes it’s about holding a little bit of that back and calming it down.
“This is probably the biggest game in the club’s history, but let’s try and make sure we enjoy it and love every second of the day. We will all be able to look at each other in the huddle at the end knowing we’ve given it our all whatever the result is.”
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