Jonathan Thomas: Wales coach leaves Warren Gatland's backroom staff
- Published
Jonathan Thomas played 67 internationals for Wales after making his debut in 2003
Wales contact area coach Jonathan Thomas has left Warren Gatland's backroom team.
Thomas, 40, was part of the 2023 World Cup set-up in France.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) say Thomas left on positive terms "to seek new and different opportunities in rugby after his contract reached its natural end".
"I have decided to move on to pursue other opportunities in rugby and am looking forward to the new challenges ahead," said Thomas.
Gatland added the ex-forward and former Worcester coach to his backroom team in January 2023 for the Six Nations and the World Cup where Wales were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Argentina.
"Since the World Cup I've been helping coach at The Kings School, Gloucester and it's made me think differently about what the future may look like. I'm looking forward to developing that relationship amongst other ventures," said Thomas.
"I will always be grateful for my time on the coaching team with Wales, but the time is right for me to make a change.
"The hard work and dedication of the players over the last year has been impressive to watch and I wish everyone well for the future."
Thomas played in the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam successes and featured in two World Cups.
He played for Swansea, Ospreys and Worcester during a 14-year career that ended in 2015.
Thomas left his Worcester coaching role in January 2022 and joined Championship side Ealing Trailfinders as a forwards consultant in September that year before Wales came calling.
"Jonathan has been an important member of the team, he is an excellent coach with a great future in the game and has made a valuable contribution to the side's development especially during the World Cup in France," said Gatland.
"We wish him well with his future plans and I know he will be an asset to any side in whatever capacity he chooses to pursue next."
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