Simon Thomas

Feb 22, 2025 | walesonline.co.uk | Simon Thomas

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Wales winning the 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam. It was their first cleansweep in the Championship since the 1978 Five Nations, with the Slam being sealed by a victory over Ireland on a never to be forgotten day in Cardiff. Michael Owen was the Wales skipper for that match and here are his memories of a campaign that thrilled the nation. So, just what was it like to captain Wales to their first Grand Slam in 27 years?

Nov 23, 2024 | walesonline.co.uk | Simon Thomas

When you remind Andy Powell it’s now 16 years since he made his Wales debut against South Africa, his reaction reflects just what a special memory it is. “Ooh, I tell you now, the hairs are going up on my arm when you say that,” he declares. “It’s crazy how the time just goes. Hey, we are all getting older. But where has 16 years gone? “It seems mad when you look back on it.” Powell was no newbie when he won his first Welsh cap on that November afternoon in 2008.

Nov 9, 2024 | walesonline.co.uk | Simon Thomas

The Llewellyn family tree tells a tale about the changing face of rugby over the last few decades. Former Wales skipper Gareth was 6ft 6ins, just like his fellow international brother Glyn, with both playing in the second row. His son Max - part of the current Welsh squad - is of a similar stature at 6ft 5ins, but plies his trade in the centre. As the 92-cap Gareth acknowledges, these are very different times from when he started out in the sport in the late 1980s.

Sep 29, 2024 | planetrugby.com | Simon Thomas |Jared Wright |David Skippers

Leinster and Cardiff sit level on maximum points at the top of the United Rugby Championship table as the only teams to have claimed back-to-back victories in the opening two rounds. Leo Cullen’s Leinster ran in six tries during a 34-6 triumph over Dragons, while Cardiff also secured a second successive bonus-point victory as they came from behind to win 24-15 at the Scarlets.

Apr 7, 2024 | planetrugby.com | Dylan Coetzee |Simon Thomas |Jared Wright

Following Northampton Saints’ 24-14 win over Munster in the Champions Cup, here are our ratings for the Irish side. 15 Mike Haley: The full-back ran the ball back where he could and managed an important try before half-time. He also beat three defenders and made seven tackles in a committed outing.