Thomas aims to be next Dragon for Wales call

From South Wales Argus


FULL back Martyn Thomas is aiming to be the next member of the Newport Gwent Dragons side to make the Wales squad – and he believes the presence of five World Cup players is the inspiration he and his teammates need.

Thomas is finally getting the run of games he requires after suffering two serious leg injuries, the first career threatening when he broke a leg and dislocated an ankle.

But he is aware he soon faces strong competition from newcomer Jamie Smith and Will Harries when they return from injury.

“Those injuries are behind me now, they are in the past and it’s time to move forward towards the things I want to achieve,” said the 24-year-old west Walian.

“The first thing for me to do is retain the Dragons jersey with Jamie and Will coming back. I’ll be under pressure but there’s no reason why I can’t keep it.

“It’s fantastic for Luke (Charteris), Toby (Faletau) and Dan (Lydiate) with Lloyd (Burns) on the bench and Aled (Brew) getting game time.

“It’s great having them coming back into our environment and a big boost which I hope will kick us on. What they have achieved is massive for us.”

Thomas was on Wales coach Warren Gatland’s radar before he suffered those leg injuries, impressing with his pace.

It’s probably a bit soon, but Wales could have a problem for the Australia game on December 3 if Leigh Halfpenny is ruled out and France-based Lee Byrne and James Hook are not available.

“Every player strives to get a cap for Wales and if we play the Dragons way there is no reason why other boys can’t make it,” said Thomas.

“It is a goal of mine and I desperately want to achieve it. I’ve worked hard on my game this season and hopefully I can make a bit of a mark.”


Good Luck to him I say. I was at both matches where he picked up horriffic injuries and feel like a bit of a jinx

He has bags of pace and a big boot on him, even if he just trains with the Welsh squad and doesnt get game time it will be a great boost for his confidence

Great player awful injuries, lets hope things go well for him...

He looked good in bits tonight but not fantastic, still a way to go until he is in line for a call to the squad

He has all the potential! Before his first bad injury, he was knocking on the door of the squad and hopefully an injury free run of games will bing back his confidence and a bit of pressure from within the Dragons squad will hopefully see him shine.
Really like Thomas and I hope he can earn a cap.

Io dont think he did enough last night to get a call up. But hopefully he will get a few good games in pre six nations

I don't think selectors call people up after just one good game (unless you're George North) but a good run should see him in their thoughts.

On the main page, the update for this read "Thomas aims to be the next Dr."

I thought it was going to be about becoming the next Dr. Who! Makes sense now though..