NEWCASTLE Emlyn man Gareth Thomas says he is delighted to have extended his contract with the Ospreys with a new two-year deal.

The Ospreys loosehead prop, a former Under 20s international, has been on the verge of a senior Wales call up after a run of impressive performances for the Ospreys this season.

A destructive scrummager, with a dynamic ability as a ball carrier, Thomas has been one of the club’s most improved players in the current campaign.

Thomas made his debut for the region in 2014 and has played 82 games for Ospreys, establishing himself as a first-team regular at the Liberty Stadium.

“It’s really exciting where we are going, and since Toby has come in we have really started to grow as a team,” said Thomas, who is a former pupil of Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi in Llandysul.

“The way we’re playing is really exciting and so is the promise of what’s to come.

“We all like the way Toby wants us to play, and we have bought into where he wants to take the club, and it has certainly suited me.

“Working with Duncan Jones is really good for me too, and it’s a really good environment to be in. 

“My set piece game has really improved and that has meant more game time, which is giving me a chance to show what I can do around the field.”

The 26-year old joined the Ospreys from Carmarthen Quins, having also represented Llanelli and Newcastle Emlyn, and had been involved with the Scarlets.

“I want to keep involved With Ospreys as much as I can and I am competing with Rhodri Jones and Nicky Smith, both Welsh internationals, and I have to train and play well to compete with them,” said Thomas.

Capped at age-grade level, Thomas was an integral part of a successful Wales Under 20 squad that reached the Junior World Championship semi-final in 2012, before going one better a year a later and reaching the final for the first time.

In May 2017, Thomas was called up to the Wales summer tour squad in place of the injured Rob Evans.

Toby Booth, Ospreys Head Coach, said: “Gareth has really flourished here and he is an example of the modern day loosehead prop.

“He has shown dominance at set piece but also he gives us a lot of dynamism around the field.
“He is a player coming into his prime and I am sure will play a big role in us improving as a team.”