Justin Thomas (rugby union) explained

Justin Thomas
Birth Name:William Justin Lloyd Thomas
Birth Date:1 November 1973
Birth Place:Carmarthen, Wales
Weight:78kg (172lb)
School:Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Carmarthen
University:University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Position:Fullback
Amatteam1:Carmarthen Athletic RFC
Amatteam2:UWIC RFC
Years1:1996-1999
Years2:1999-2000
Years3:2000-2005
Clubs1:Cardiff RFC
Clubs2:Newport RFC
Clubs3:Caerphilly RFC
Clubs4:Cross Keys RFC
Apps1:76
Apps2:18
Points1:166
Points2:7
Repyears1:1995-1997
Repteam1:Wales
Repcaps1:9
Reppoints1:5

William Justin Lloyd Thomas (born 1 November 1973) is a Welsh International rugby union player. He made nine appearances for the Wales national team, as well as representing Llanelli RFC Cardiff RFC, Newport RFC and Caerphilly RFC in the top division of Welsh club rugby.

Thomas was playing for UWIC RFC in the second division of Welsh club rugby when he was first called up to the Wales national team, as an unused replacement for their Five Nations game against Scotland in March 1995. He was also included in Wales' squad for the 1995 Rugby World Cup, whilst playing at Cardiff Institute (UWIC) but didn't make any appearances during the tournament.[1] Thomas made his debut for Wales against South Africa in September 1995.[2] Thomas started all four of Wales' matches in the 1996 Five Nations Championship, as well as the friendly match against Fiji and Italy in 1996 where Thomas scored a try for the national team v Italy.

Thomas joined Cardiff RFC for the 1996-97 season, where he spent three seasons. He moved to Newport RFC for the 1999-2000 season. After one season at Newport, Thomas moved to Caerphilly RFC,[3] where he could combine playing part-time with pursuing a teaching career.[4] By 2001, Thomas had returned to UWIC as a mature student, studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. While at Caerphilly, Thomas played in the 2002–03 European Shield final loss against Castres Olympique.

As well as playing for the full Wales team, Thomas also represented Wales Students,[5] and made two appearances for the Barbarians invitational side.[6]

References

Notes and References

  1. News: 31 players you forgot had been to a Rugby World Cup with Wales . 30 May 2015. Anthony . Woolford . Wales Online.
  2. News: Charteris: I'm ready for the challenge . 11 November 2004 . Wales Online.
  3. News: Welsh-Scottish League Club-by-club guide . 25 August 2000 . Graham . Clutton . The Telegraph.
  4. News: Rees heads for France . 1 July 2002 . BBC Sport Online.
  5. News: Thomas has sympathy for Rhys' relegation . 1 February 2001 . BBC Sport Online.
  6. Web site: Player Archive - W. J. L. Thomas . Barbarian Football Club.