Gloucester forward Freddie Thomas is optimistic that the arrival of Steve Tandy as Wales’ head coach can steer the national side away from the struggles of recent years.
Thomas, who can operate as either a lock or flanker, was part of the starting line-up that ended Wales’ 18-Test losing streak in Japan over the summer—a victory he describes as crucial for lifting the squad’s spirits.
“I can only go on last year, but compared to that, the training has been really positive,” said Thomas. “I feel there’s a real energy around the group, the quality has been better. It feels completely different to last year, like a full stop to our last era and us moving forward.”
The 23-year-old believes Wales desperately needed the win in Kobe in July to relieve mounting pressure.
“It was massive, we were in a dark spot, especially going to Japan knowing we had to go there and get a win,” he said. “We didn’t shy away from that. Our whole ambition of that tour was to get a win and put an end to that for a period of time. Everyone was just relieved. The weight of the pressure was building, so it was nice to clean that slate and put that behind us.”
Primarily a lock, Thomas is also available at blind-side flanker if Tandy opts for a heavier forward pack.
“I generally don’t really care, I just want to play,” he said. “Obviously I play a bit of both at Gloucester. Around the park my game doesn’t change, I try and play the same way. It’s probably just around the set-piece where it is different. I’d like to see myself as more of a lock that can play six, rather than a six that can play lock, but whatever or wherever gets me in the squad, I’ll happily play.”
Thomas has also welcomed the return of former Gloucester team-mate Louis Rees-Zammit, who has come back to rugby after a stint in American football.
“I was in the Gloucester academy with him, so it’s always nice to have an old friend back in the group,” Thomas said. “He’s definitely bigger, a lot of weight in terms of muscle, but still has his speed so I think you’ll be able to see that in the contact area, that he’s more powerful. With all the NFL stuff catching those high balls, you’ve got to think he’s got better at that as well, because that’s what you need to do as a wide receiver.”
Thomas believes Rees-Zammit’s experience both on and off the field will be invaluable to the Wales camp.
“He’s an unbelievable player and definitely not shy,” he said. “He has that confidence and X-factor we need because there were times last year where it was probably a quiet group, with not many boys prepared to speak up in meetings and call each other out. I feel that’s where we’re trying to take strides this year, having that accountability if someone calls you out. That’s a good thing where everyone’s trying to get better. So having all these boys that are going to speak to you, it’s positive for the group.”
