GARETH THOMAS is the latest prop star to emerge at the Ospreys and to play for Wales.
The loosehead prop’s emergence during Toby Booth’s reign as Head Coach at the Ospreys, means there are three international calibre props competing for the No 1 jersey.
And Thomas, Nicky Smith and Rhodri Jones are all doing the same at Test level with Wales.
All three are carrying the torch of the tradition of being loosehead props for the Ospreys and Wales.
Duncan Jones and Paul James both set the bar and represented the Ospreys on the international stage, setting a standard being emulated by Thomas, who won his first Wales cap in the summer.
Thomas, 28, a Wales Under20s prop, admits he is relishing the opportunity he has been given to show what he can do for the Ospreys and with Wales.
"It was brilliant, I loved it,” said Thomas.
"I won my first caps in the summer, but there were 8,000 people in the stadium. This autumn it was packed, with 65,000 to 70,000 people there. It was an unbelievable experience; I’d like to do it all over again."
"I’m looking forward to every opportunity I get.
"I wasn’t involved with Wales at the start of the autumn, so my biggest thing now is to work on things I need to work on, to get myself in the squad from the start.