Thomas aims to learn from Wales prop legends

Prop Gareth Thomas says he is benefitting from working with front-row greats Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins before Wales’ upcoming Test series in Japan.

Wales flew to Japan on Wednesday as they aim to register their first victory since the 2023 World Cup and end a run of 17 successive Test defeats.

Interim boss Matt Sherratt has brought Jenkins on board as defence coach, with the 129-times capped loose-head recognised as one of Wales’ greatest players.

“We had ‘Bomb’ [Jones] in the Six Nations and he’s been class for us,” said Thomas.

“He’s awesome for the front rowers, he’s bringing scrum time and is just a great bloke to have around as well.

“Gethin is one of the best loose-heads who’s played for Wales, so it’s great for the boys to work with him and use his mindset stuff.

Wales meet Eddie Jones’ Japan in a two-match series, with the first Test in Kitakyushu on 5 July and the second in Kobe on 12 July.

Thomas is one of the most experienced players in the squad and sees similarities with the 2022 tour of South Africa as Wales bid to end their awful run of results.

Wales lost that series 2-1 against the world champions, but won the second Test – their first ever victory on South African soil – having been beaten narrowly by three points in the opening match.

“The last summer tour we had with this kind of block was South Africa, four or five weeks together before we went,” said Thomas.

“We don’t have that opportunity in the autumn and Six Nations to have this time together. So this time has been really good for us.”

Ospreys prop Thomas hopes Wales will gain their first international victory since October 2023.

“We’re all desperate to get that win now and turn the corner,” said Thomas.

“I think there is a talented group here and boys who have been in it for a while and on this losing streak, it does get to you.

“We need it, we are desperate for it.

Much has been made of the conditions awaiting Wales, with extreme heat and humidity expected for two mid-afternoon kick-offs.

Wales’ preparation has included gruelling heat chamber sessions at their training base in the Vale of Glamorgan.

“You go to the well, but I love it – the whole squad in there,” said Thomas.

“The most I have lost is three kilos of fluid and we have to make sure we replace that, because otherwise we would be dehydrated and struggling.