Gwent Sport

Heart scare for former Dragon ace Thomas

By Iwan Davies

11:40am Saturday 28th January 2012

FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas has undergone heart surgery after falling ill during a training session with the Scarlets.

The 29-year-old Wales international was in a "comfortable condition" at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital last night.

Thomas, who lives in Caerleon, became unwell at Parc y Scarlets on Thursday afternoon.

He was treated by Scarlets medical staff before being taken by ambulance to hospital where he was treated for a heart condition.

This isn’t the first time Thomas, who has won seven caps, has suffered similar serious problems with his health.

The start of the 2006-2007 season saw him suffer a heart scare which kept him out of action for six months.

Scarlets chief executive Mark Davies said last night: "All our thoughts and best wishes as Scarlets are with Rhys and his wife Paula and their family.

"The region will be keeping in close contact with medical teams at Morriston Hospital as to his progress but it is understood that he is comfortable and doing well.

"I am sure the whole rugby community in Wales would join with us in expressing to Rhys all our very best wishes for a quick and comfortable recovery."

The loosehead prop, born in South Africa, left the Dragons for the Scarlets at the end of the 2008-09 season.

He made 126 appearances for the Dragons between 2003 and 2009, scoring 12 tries as he established himself as a firm favourite with the fans at Rodney Parade.

Thomas made a try-scoring debut for the region as a replacement for Adam Black during a league win over Glasgow Warriors at Rodney Parade in October 2003.

The Johannesburg-born front row forward also made 22 appearances for Newport between 2003 and 2004, scoring four tries.

Thomas made his Wales debut on tour in the second Test against Argentina in June 2006 during a 45-27 defeat in Buenos Aires.

He was a member of Wales’ 2008 Grand Slam winning side, playing in the 47-8 win over Italy in Cardiff.

Thomas’ last Wales appearance was during the 20-15 win over Italy at Rome’s Stadio Flaminio during 2009’s Six Nations campaign.

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