Scarlets prop Thomas retains Wales hopes

Prop Henry Thomas played two games for Wales at the 2023 World Cup in France

Scarlets prop Henry Thomas says he retains his Wales ambitions after joining Dwayne Peel's side this season.

Thomas, 32, signed for Scarlets from French side Castres in May and has played in the last two Scarlets defeats in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

"I would always love the opportunity to play for Wales whenever it comes, although it's not something I'm kind of counting on," said Thomas.

"I wouldn't say it was the reason why I came to the Scarlets. That is more about the place and project here, but you always have your eyes set on something higher to play at that top level."

Tight-head prop Thomas, whose father Nigel is from Swansea, played seven internationals for England between 2013 and 2014.

The change in World Rugby's eligibility rules allowed Thomas to qualify for Wales through his father once he had been uncapped by England for three years.

After winning four caps in replacement appearances for Wales before and during 2023 World Cup, Thomas missed the 2024 Six Nations before injury ruled him out of the summer Tests against South Africa and Australia.

"The World Cup was brilliant," said Thomas.

"It was an unbelievably hard summer. The boys put in so much work and we had a good campaign and probably kicking ourselves not to win that quarter-final against Argentina.

"At that point, I thought going back to French rugby, that was probably my only chance, which was a bit of a sad ending.

"I was pretty sad to miss out that South Africa game, where I got an injury in training before that game, and ended up missing out on a summer tour.

"If we get a chance to go again, that's amazing, but - without sounding too cliche - it starts here with the Scarlets and staying fit."

Scarlets aim for Cardiff revenge

Henry Thomas has had previous stints with Castres, Montpellier, Bath and Sale.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his squad on 21 October for the three autumn internationals against Fiji, Australia and South Africa in November.

With Tomas Francis not featuring since the World Cup, Wales lack experienced tight-head props.

Bath's Archie Griffin impressed on the summer tour with Keiron Assiratti, Leon Brown and Dillon Lewis providing other options.

"I think it's something definitely I can bring with my experience," said Thomas.

"There are different areas in my game I can also bring to Wales, it's about who they want in the squad.

"There's an element of Wales building towards the future so we'll see.

"The scrum is an area that will always be important in rugby union and you can't get experience without playing.

"I'm sure they'll want to give some good time to some of the younger guys coming through, like Archie who had a great summer."

Thomas can push his claims in the URC derby against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Saturday as Scarlets look to avenge the 24-15 defeat to Matt Sherratt's side earlier this month.

"I massively feel like we owe them one after being 15-0 up at home and letting them come back into that game," said Thomas.

"We should have taken at least something from that game.

"The boys are excited to get out there and it'll be a bit of a hectic crowd down there which is great."