Dragons’ Thomas forced to retire

Gavin Thomas: Forced to call it quits

Veteran Dragons flanker and former Wales international Gavin Thomas has been forced to retire due to injury.

The 34-year-old, who represented Wales in 24 Tests, has finally hung up his boots due to persistent problems to both of his knees.

Thomas arrived at Rodney Parade from the Scarlets in 2009, and he went on to make 65 appearances for the region, forcing his way back into the international reckoning in the process.

Dragons head coach Darren Edwards admits the loss of Thomas will be a major loss to the region.

“He was a fantastic all-round player who was great in the contact area and his playmaking skills were second to none.” Edwards told the Welsh Rugby Union’s official website.

“Gavin came to the region on the back of a serious injury and ended up having three terrific seasons here. That is testament to him as a competitor and a person.

“Gavin would always say to me, ‘Don’t look at the age on my passport, look at what I do on the pitch’.

“He was a fantastic player and servant for the Dragons. He was a man of few words in the changing room but he demonstrated to his teammates through his actions.

“He was a great influence and delivered what he said, and delivered consistently.”

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