By Gareth Thomas Wales captain

I've heard a little bit out here about some confusion with the IRB (International Rugby Board) calendar, that the date for Wales' game against South Africa on 6 November wasn't on there.

But I think this matter will get solved without any players having to get too involved in it and I expect to be leading Wales out at the Millennium Stadium.

I'm especially proud to be captain of the squad we've got at the moment

From the moment I came here, Toulouse have been unbelievably helpful and understanding towards me when I have to go back for Wales training, and understanding if I come back tired from training and travelling.

I'm sure they will continue to be realistic of people's needs and they've said nothing of the sort to me about not releasing me to play for Wales.

I think the clubs didn't realise about the international date, but as far as I know it's not just myself who is involved in it.

We were talking today and there's about seven or eight Argentines out here who are also in the wrangle because the Pumas have a game, and there are Italians who are also in the same boat.

This is an issue that in most cases should not really involve the players and should be solved in the meeting rooms with the managers and the IRB.

Getting the Wales captaincy is a great honour for me and a great achievement for all the years of hard work that have been put in.

I'm especially proud to be captain of the squad we've got at the moment, with some brilliant players and some great guys not only on the field but off it as well.

A Welsh team with Colin Charvis in it is a better team

To be honest though, my first priority must be to concentrate on my rugby and earning my place in the team - just because I'm captain I can't take for granted that I'm guaranteed my place.

I didn't realise there had been so much criticism of having the players interview for the job, but I think it enabled (Wales coach) Mike Ruddock to gauge what a lot of players were thinking and feeling and take that on board.

In the interview all I did was be myself, every question asked of me I spoke the truth.

I've become captain of the team because of who I am and I've got no intention of conforming and changing in any way, hopefully I will be a good captain on merit as well.

I think Colin Charvis has led the team superbly well and has already taken the team forward, so I'm fortunate that he is continuing as vice-captain.

It's important to me because I've got a huge amount of respect for Colin and he has captained me for many years.

I can't just switch on and off my feelings for people and it's important to me that Colin is a part of the set-up.

It's not only important to me but it's important to the team, because a Welsh team with Colin in it is a better team - Wales needs Colin and he's as committed to the team as ever.

But with the captaincy and my new rugby life in Toulouse, I'm on cloud nine at the moment - life couldn't be better and it's a new challenge every week.