Gloucester Lock Freddie Thomas Expresses Surprise at Wales Call-Up

Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas, who has scored three league tries this season, stated he did not anticipate an international call-up so soon after publicly declaring his aspirations to represent Wales. Thomas previously played for England at the Under-18 and Under-20 levels, but is eligible to play for Wales due to his grandparents. The 22-year-old had commenced the season impressively at Kingsholm, yet he did not foresee his selection for Warren Gatland’s 35-man squad for the upcoming autumn internationals scheduled for next month against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa. “I had no inkling,” Thomas said. He added, “It was something I was aiming for in the next couple of years but my sole focus is to play well for Gloucester and I have been enjoying my rugby” and described the experience as “surreal, this has all happened so quickly, it is just kind of a whirlwind.” On Monday evening, Thomas conveyed the news to his family, expressing that he felt overwhelmed. Thomas recounted, “Everyone was in tears.” He continued, “Mum called me straight away and was on the phone just blubbing for about three minutes.” He also mentioned, “It was unbelievable just to speak to my Dad and call my grandparents and hear how proud they were.” Thomas acknowledged his family’s contributions, stating, “I can never overlook what my family have done for me. Driving me to training and all the away games, none of this would have been possible without their support.” Thomas’s connection to Welsh rugby originates from his father, Stephen, whose own father hailed from Dolgellau and mother from Swansea. “My dad’s side, that’s where the Welsh is,” Thomas explained. He added, “My Dad and his parents have driven it. I can remember since I was very young going to the Principality Stadium and watching Wales.” He also noted, “When I told them at beginning of this year I wanted to pursue my career on the Welsh side, they were over the moon.” Thomas began his rugby journey at the Worcestershire club Bredon Star RFC at the under-fives level, where his father served as coach, prior to his attendance at Dean Close school in Cheltenham. While this path led to age-grade honors for England, Thomas, who regards former Wales captain Sam Warburton as his idol, affirmed that his ultimate goal was to achieve senior honors for Wales. Thomas commented, “Being at school in England I thought it’d be easiest just to keep going with them while I was here, but I always knew in the back of my mind there would be a big decision at some point.” He elaborated, “The choice would be probably to go to Wales after under-20s if that opportunity arose. “At the end of last year I wanted to make it clear which way I wanted to go and that was Wales.” Thomas has benefited from the influence of a notable Welsh contingent at Kingsholm, including former Wales hooker Rhys Thomas, who has acted as a mentor in his capacity as Gloucester’s forwards transition coach. Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Josh Hathaway, and Max Llewellyn are also among the five Gloucester players selected to join the Wales squad this week. Thomas remarked, “The Welsh influence has been good and hopefully will make it easier for me next week when we go into camp.” He further stated, “Tomos and Gareth have been amazing for us on and off the field providing the experience we need. Max and Josh are more my age so I also get along with them really well.” Thomas also expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by Gloucester head coach George Skivington, himself a former lock. Thomas commented, “He gave me a good chance to play and backed me, he has put his faith in the young guys.” He added, “He’s been amazing with me around the set-piece. He’s so diligent around the maul and line-outs, all that kind of stuff which were his bread and butter as as a player.” Thomas, who characterizes himself as a lock capable of playing in the back row, was selected for the squad over other players, including Cardiff’s Teddy Williams. He is expected to contend with Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, and Ben Carter for the two available second-row positions during the three November international matches. Thomas stated that he has not yet met Warren Gatland or Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys and expressed anticipation for the unfamiliar experience. Thomas commented, “All I hear about the Welsh squad is positive.” He continued, “I don’t know what to expect and there are a lot of boys I have not met.” He concluded, “I’m kind of going in there almost expecting nothing and then see what happens. I am sure it will be tough and I am trying to get the most out of the four weeks.”