Iestyn Thomas

Infobox Rugby biography
name = Iestyn Thomas


caption =
birthname = Iestyn Dafydd Thomas
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1976|12|15
placeofbirth = Pontypool, Wales
dateofdeath =
placeofdeath =
height = convert|1.85|m|ftin|abbr=on
weight = convert|115|kg|stlb|abbr=on
ru_position = Prop|capital=yes
ru_amateuryears =
ru_amateurclubs =
ru_amupdate =
ru_clubyears = ?–?
?–2002
2002–2003
ru_proclubs = Pontypool
Ebbw Vale
Llanelli
ru_clubcaps =
ru_clubpoints =
ru_clubupdate = 18:17, 13 February 2008 (UTC)
ru_currentclub =
ru_provinceyears = 2003-
ru_province = Llanelli Scarlets
ru_provincecaps(points) = 97 (45)
ru_provinceupdate = 18:17, 13 February 2008 (UTC)
ru_nationalteam = Wales
ru_nationalyears = 2000-
ru_nationalcaps = 33
ru_nationalpoints = (0)
ru_ntupdate = 18:17, 13 February 2008 (UTC)
ru_sevensnationalyears =
ru_sevensnationalteam =
ru_sevensnationalcaps(points) =
ru_sevensupdate =
ru_coachclubs =
ru_coachyears =
ru_coachupdate =
other =
occupation =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school =
university =

Iestyn Thomas (born 15 December 1976 in Pontypool, Wales) is a Welsh rugby union footballer, who currently plays as a prop for the Llanelli Scarlets in the Magners League.

Club career

Thomas started his rugby career with hometown club Pontypool RFC, but later moved to the top division with Ebbw Vale RFC. He was Mike Ruddock's choice as captain as he successfully kept Vale in the league and had an impressive campaigns in the Parker Pen Cup. In 2002, Thomas left Eugine Cross Park for Stradey Park to join Llanelli RFC with 11 Welsh caps to his name. Since leaving the South Wales outfit Thomas has only gained 19 Welsh caps. During the five years, most of them have been substitute appearances. This has been due to injury whilst others also question how effective Llanelli RFC and the Llanelli Scarlets are at producing high quality props.

International career

Thomas made his international debut for Wales on 11 November 2000 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against Samoa; Wales won the match 50–6. He then came off the bench in matches against the USA and South Africa.

Thomas played in three matches in the 2002 Six Nations, as well as playing two Tests against the Springboks in South Africa, and against the All Blacks at the end of the year.

After playing in the 2003 Six Nations Championship, and playing in two Tests for Wales in June, Thomas was included in Wales' 2003 Rugby World Cup squad, where he played in three matches.

References

External links

* [http://www.scarlets.co.uk/the-region/PlayerDetails.aspx?ID=100387 Profile] at scarlets.co.uk
* [http://www.wru.co.uk/63_1792.php Profile] at wru.co.uk
* [http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/36_4571.php?player=475 Profile] at ercrugby.com