‘BULL’ EYES WELSH SEVENS RECORD*

Wales Sevens captain Adam Thomas will compete in his 50th World Rugby Sevens Series tournament tomorrow in Paris. In reaching this milestone, the 31-year-old from the village of Ynysybwl becomes the first Welshman to do so. T

o mark this special occasion, messages have been pouring in from the soon-to-be father of two’s teammates and opponents alike, paying tribute to a stalwart of the game who is widely respected on and off the field of play. First, a word from his head coach, Gareth Williams:

“I feel very proud to be the coach of the first Welsh player to reach this milestone. You couldn’t ask for it to be a better person than Adam. He has been a fantastic player and a phenomenal captain, and he reflects everything the programme is in place for.

“After establishing himself in the World Series, his performances led to a regional contract with Cardiff Blues, and since returning in the past few years he’s aided in the development of numerous young players who will go on to have fine careers. His playing qualities are there for everyone to see in all his 50 tournaments. However, the integrity and humility he demonstrates as the senior member of our squad is exceptional.”

In the middle of his side’s final push for glory in Paris, South Africa’s Werner Kok, World Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, had this to say about Thomas: “It’s a privilege to say a few words and be part of this amazing achievement by Adam. He is probably one of the toughest guys to play against. He leads with example every time he steps on the field.

As tough as he is on the field, he is one of the nicest guys off it: always friendly and really a first-class person. Congratulations, Adam. Keep up the hard work.” Young Dragons back Jared Rosser came into the Wales Sevens camp for the first time last season, and tradition maintained that he had to room with the oldest player. “Adam is the father figure of the group.

When I first came in, I had no sevens background and he went out of his way to fit me in as quickly as possible – even doing little things like ironing my shirt! We look up to him because of his experience of the game and everything that being away on the sevens circuit entails. He knows the score.”

Former England Sevens captain Rob Vickerman, now a commentator on the World Series for Sky Sports, had many tussles with Thomas down the years. “Adam was always the toughest of opponents, playing with the commitment and tenacity often associated with Welsh rugby players. To gain 50 World Series tournament caps is simply a remarkable achievement in such a demanding, challenging sport requiring supreme fitness.

“His robustness sets him apart in the Welsh team and he’s someone who always leads charging from the front, which I often associate with his ‘bull horns’-style celebration. That, and his head is literally as big as a cow’s!”

James ‘Chucky’ Stannard is one of Australia’s greatest sevens players and, like Thomas, one of the elder statesmen of the circuit. “Firstly, massive congratulations on earning your 50th tournament, mate. As you will know it’s a real privilege to represent your country and to be as resilient as you have been it is well and truly deserved. Enjoy this very special time and good luck this weekend.” Wales Sevens’ Owen Jenkins has known Thomas (or ‘Bull’ as he is known by many) almost all his life.

“I always knew him from growing up in Ynysybwl. Our grandparents were good friends, my dad and his dad are good friends. We played together at Pontypridd, then with the sevens, we were at Blues together for two years, then came back to sevens together. He was a role model for me, even before I was playing: somebody from ‘the Bwl’ who’s done well with rugby. “When you play with him, you know what an intelligent and tough player he is. Always leading by example. You’d go to the trenches with him.

The fact that he’s such a good friend makes it even more special.” Pontypridd flanker Rhys Shellard starred for Wales Sevens alongside Thomas for several seasons, which included a memorable final in against Fiji in Hong Kong five years ago.

“As a friend and teammate, this is a huge achievement and one Adam should be immensely proud of.

I was there when he first came on the scene and he made a huge impression. It was inevitable that he was going to be captain, and what a great job he’s done. Congratulations on a great career on the circuit. Well done, pal.”