Former Wales lock Brian Thomas dies aged 72

FORMER Wales lock Brian Thomas has died at the age of 72 after a long illness, his former club Neath have confirmed.

Thomas won 21 caps in the 1960s and captained Neath, who he went on to manage during the 1980s and ’90s.

A statement on the Neath RFC website read: “It is with regret that we announce that Neath legend Brian Thomas passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long illness. We would like to express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

Thomas, who could also play prop, won his first cap against England in 1963 and wasin the Wales sides that won the Five Nations in 1964, ’65 and ’66. His final appearance was against New Zealand in Auckland in 1969.

He was credited as the key figure behind Neath’s dominance of Welsh club rugby inthe late 1980s and early ’90s, having becoming team manager in 1981.

Neath MP Peter Hain tweeted: “Very sad death of great Neath rugby giant Brian Thomas after long illness. Sympathies to Brian’s family.”