Grogg - Gareth Thomas

Gareth Thomas ('Alfie') started his career with his home town club of Bridgend before joining Cardiff in 1997. After four years at the Arms Park he returned to Bridged and then, when regional rugby started, he joined the Celtic Warriors. When the Warriors folded at the end of their first season he moved to France and spent four years with Stade Toulousain before returning to the Arms Park to play for the Blues. Although centre was his preferred position, Alfie also played full back and wing, excelling in all three positions, winning 100 Welsh caps and scoring 40 international tries (including 4 in the match v Italy in Treviso in 1999).  In 2005 he went to New Zealand with the Lions and when Brian O'Driscoll was injured in the opening moments of the first test Alfie was appointed captain for the second and third tests (the ninth Welsh player to captain the tourists). After a highly successful union career (including 76 games with 44 tries for the Blue and Blacks) Alfie turned to Rugby League. He played 31 times for the Crusaders and 4 times for Wales before finally ending his rugby career in 2011.