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January: James Thomas

January: James Thomas

Bedwas backrow James Thomas has won the Principality Premiership Player of the Month award for January.

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With the Bridge Field club winning both of their games in January, as part of a good run of form in 2014, Thomas has been rewarded for his contribution to the side.

As well as being a key man for Cardiff University while completing his studies, former Wales Under 20 captain Thomas has been a stalwart figure for Bedwas in recent times.

“It’s a great honour to be named Player of the Month and I think it reflects how well we have been playing as a team,” said Thomas.

“We’ve had a few good results recently, particularly at home, and that’s been a great boost to everyone at the club.

“We didn’t have the greatest start to the season like we did last year which was a bit frustrating but I think we are finishing a lot stronger. The squad has a lot more strength in depth to it now and I think that bodes well for the future.”

After featuring for Newport, Pontypool and Ebbw Vale previously, Thomas has been training with the Wales Sevens squad recently and looks set to feature for Cardiff University in their Varsity clash with Swansea on April 9.

On his contribution at Principality Premiership level this season, Bedwas head coach Steve Law said: “James works incredibly hard in training, he leads from the front and his attitude at all times is second to none.

“He was Wales Under 20 captain not so long ago before suffering a bad injury but we are really starting to see James come back to his best now and reach his full potential.

“The performances he’s been putting in are up there with some of the best I’ve seen at Premiership level for a long, long time. He has a chance of playing regional rugby if he keeps up the standards he’s been setting and maybe improves even further. Week in, week out he’s one of the best players on the park, he’s just a very good rugby player.

“He has re-signed for next season and hopefully he’ll continue to go from strength to strength. Everyone at Bedwas wishes James all the best for the future.”

Maria Vidler, Principality Building Society’s Queen Street branch manager, said: “James had a fantastic game against Cross Keys in January putting him to the top of the list as January’s Principality Premiership Player of the Month. This stand-out performance and others during 2013 and 2014 have really helped Bedwas and we hope he continues this form for the rest of the season.”

James Thomas factfile:
Born: 17.8.90, Newport
Position: Back row
Club: Bedwas
Former clubs: Newport, Pontypool, Ebbw Vale
Education: Blackwood School, Llandovery College
Most admired player: Jerome Kaino
Biggest influence: Players and coaches at Llandovery College 

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