Quins sign fly-half Thomas

Thomas, 30, who won 23 caps, has struggled to re-establish himself at senior level since former club Swansea went into administration in 2003.

Since then moves to French side Pau, Llanelli Scarlets and a short-term deal at Harlequins have all disappointed.

"I will get a job outside rugby and give my family more stability," Thomas told the Swansea Evening Post.

''There were other enquiries about my availability to play as a professional, but it was just a year here, or a year there and the money being offered wasn't great.

''I have had enough of slogging my guts out in training every day and not getting the chance to play at weekends, which is what happened at Llanelli."

But Thomas says he is looking forward to returning to The Gnoll, where he began his senior career.

''I enjoyed my spell with Neath at the start of my career and I'm looking forward to playing for them again,'' Thomas added.

''Neath have a good set-up. I know they have an up-and-coming fly-half in James Hook but I'm sure there'll be opportunities for us both.''

Neath coach Rowland Phillips is delighted to have recruited Thomas.

"I am thrilled to have Arwel returning to the Gnoll and it is great to see quality players wanting to play for Neath," Phillips said.

"Arwel has now been training with us for a few weeks and he has slotted straight back into how we do things.

"Signing Arwel gives us options behind the scrum as he can play in a number of positions"

"James Hook did a fine job for us last season, but I am conscious that due to the number of games he played we did not have a great deal of time to work on his conditioning and his all-round development.

"We needed to free up more time off the pitch if we are to help James realise his undoubted potential and signing Arwel will help achieve this objective."