NOT ONE to give up easily, Wales loosehead Gareth Thomas faced a battle to carve a name for himself in the game from the outset – because his had already been taken. The former Wales captain Gareth “Alfie” Thomas is nearly 20 years his senior but still dominates internet searches after a tremendous career that saw him win 100 caps for his country and lead the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2005, following Brian O’Driscoll’s injury.
The 48-year-old’s profile outside of rugby is sizeable, but it’s his namesake who now receives the playing plaudits. We talk to three men who have seen the formidable front-row’s journey so far…
THE BEST FRIEND
Steff Hughes, now a Dragons RFC centre, met Thomas at the Scarlets Academy before living with him and acting as the best man at his wedding
“We were in the U18s team and I remember the first time I met him – he’s from Newcastle Emlyn – and he came down in
