Neck injury forces Thomas out

FORMER Wales Prop Iestyn Thomas, who played at the 2003 World Cup, is to retire from the game on medical advice at the end of the season after sustaining a neck injury.

The 35-year-old loosehead has 33 caps after making his debut in his country’s victory against Samoa in 2000.

After starting his career with hometown club Pontypool, he moved Ebbw Vale and has been with the Scarlets for 10 seasons, making 214 appearances and scoring 60 points. Thomas played his last game on 9 February but has been unable to take the field since due to the neck injury.

Thomas said: “It really is impossible to carry on with a series of medical opinions telling me that it would be difficult for me to recover full strength even if I opted for surgery again.

“I am grateful for all the great opportunities and experiences I have had in my rugby career and there’s a long list of brilliant memories.”