BBC SPORT | WALES | Thomas rejoins Bridgend

Bridgend have started their recruitment drive for next season with the capture of Gareth Thomas from Cardiff.

The six foot three 16 stone centre won 23 Wales caps with the Ravens before moving to Cardiff in December 1997.

He will remain at Cardiff until the end of the season before switching back to the Brewery Field.

Thomas has 47 Wales caps in all and has scored 21 tries in those internationals, mostly from the wing.

He has occupied that position for most of the season at Cardiff, but it is expected he will return to his favoured centre position for Bridgend.

If he was allowed to play in one position and cement it I think we would have seen more of him on the international scene

Mike Hall on Thomas

The 26 year-old was recalled to the Wales side for this Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland, but the game has fallen victim to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Bridgend are expected to confirm the signing next week.

Mike Hall, the former Wales centre/wing, who began his career at Bridgend before moving to Cardiff said he was not surprised at Thomas' move.

"I feel very sorry for Gareth as he has been shabbily treated, playing at full-back, wing and centre this season and his form has suffered because of that.

Gareth Thomas
Thomas' strong running will be a loss to Cardiff

"He is a truly great player and if he was allowed to play in one position and cement it I think we would have seen more of him on the international scene," Hall said.

Bridgend are currently second in the Welsh-Scottish league with five places available to Welsh sides in next season's Heineken Cup.

There had been initial surprise that Thomas had not waited to see if Bridgend qualified for the tournament.

But Hall dismissed any doubts.

"I do believe Bridgend will secure one of the spots and their win against Cardiff a few weeks ago has put them in the position to do that.

"Gareth Thomas will be playing for Bridgend in the Heineken Cup next season," he said.


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