Thomas to become dual-code international

Gareth Thomas looks set to be named in Iestyn Harris’ fifty-man Wales squad for the forthcoming European Cup tournament.

Thomas made 100 appearances for Wales at rugby union; he also captained the Welsh side, and made three appearances for the British & Irish Lions.

This autumn Wales will play three fixtures in the Alitalia European Cup as well as warm-up games against Italy, on at open-age and one at u-23 level.

Wales RL chairman Mark Rowley believes becoming a dual-code international would be another notable achievement for Thomas, saying, “This would be another feather in his cap.”

“He has played 100 times for Wales and he could get another three or four caps for Wales Rugby League.”

Thomas, who joined the Crusaders from Cardiff Blues in March, is currently out of action with a groin injury, but Crusaders boss Brian Noble believes he could make his return by the end of the month.

“We have spoken to the Crusaders physios who say that he should be back in two or three weeks”, continued Rowley. “Iestyn would not pick him if he did not think he was fit.”

The European Cup will be contested by Wales, France, Ireland and Scotland, with the winner gaining a place in the 2011 Gillette Four Nations alongside England, Australia and New Zealand.

The fifty-man squad will be cut to thirty before the autumn internationals.

International Friendlies

Sun 3rd Oct – Wales v Italy (Racecourse Ground, Wrexham) – kick-off 2pm
Wed 6th Oct – Wales u-23 v Italy (Colwyn Bay RFC) – kick-off 7.30pm

Alitalia European Cup

Sat 9th Oct – Scotland v Wales (Glasgow) – kick-off 2pm
Sun 17th Oct – Wales v Ireland (The Gnoll, Neath) – kick-off 2pm
Sat 23rd Oct – France v Wales (Albi) – kick-off 3pm CET