Gareth Thomas (rugby player)

Gareth Thomas (born 25 July 1974 in Ogwr) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays at fullback, wing or centre for Toulouse at club level and mainly as a fullback for Wales.

Related Topics:
25 July - 1974 - Ogwr - Welsh - Rugby union - Fullback - Wing - Toulouse - Wales

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He is known as 'Alfie' due to a supposed resemblance to a character in a sitcom called ALF (alien life form). His unique way of celebrating tries by slapping his head is called 'the Ayatollah'.

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He was captain of the Six Nations Grand Slam winning Welsh team in 2005. He broke his thumb in Wales' victory over France and missed the final two games.

Related Topics:
Six Nations - Grand Slam - 2005

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Thomas earned a position on the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 tour to New Zealand. He was unable to join the tour party until Toulouse had lost the French championship in the semi-final. His selection for the test side was in jeopardy but he started his tour with a try against Wellington. He was named Lions' captain after original skipper Brian O'Driscoll was ruled out of the tour due to a dislocated shoulder suffered in the first All Blacks Test on 25 June.

Related Topics:
British and Irish Lions - 2005 tour to New Zealand - Brian O'Driscoll - All Blacks - 25 June

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