Thomas relaxed over club v country position split

Ben Thomas has won four caps for Wales

Ben Thomas insists he has no concerns at being pulled in two different positions for club and country.

The Cardiff centre ended last season as Wales' first choice fly-half, starting both Tests against Australia in July.

Warren Gatland was eager to blood the 25-year-old ahead of Six Nations starter Sam Costelow as he searches for his long-term number 10.

But Thomas looks like he will not be considered for that position at Cardiff with new signing Callum Sheedy providing competition for 2023-24 player of the season Tinus de Beer for the outside-half jersey.

"I don't have any concerns about that," said Thomas.

"Given the way we play at Cardiff, it lends itself to me stepping in as first receiver at times and having a say on which plays we're going to run and how we'll attack.

"The skills are very transferable, it's just a different number on your back."

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has been clear he sees Thomas as an inside centre.

But despite the competition, Thomas welcomes the return of Cardiff-born Sheedy from 10 years at Bristol.

The pair know each other well having attended the same high school, Corpus Christi, and played for the same youth team, St Peter's, in the city.

Sheedy was also in the starting Wales team when Thomas made his debut against Canada in 2021.

"It's nice to have Sheeds back. He hasn't changed at all, he still just as loud as when we were in school," said Thomas.

"He's very good for us. He's wise beyond his years, talks well and understands the game well. That's just the sort of addition we needed.

"We played an exciting brand of rugby last season but you need to win. So we need to work on the basics to give that solid platform and control the game."

'Surreal'

Thomas has spent the summer rehabilitating a thigh injury while also reviewing his performances against the Wallabies, in between looking after new baby son Ezra.

And while the Cardiff number 10 jersey may be blocked off, the Wales jersey remains tantalisingly close.

"I'd like to think this could be my season, but the mind-set here at Cardiff is to get better each week and then the rest looks after itself," he said.

"I wouldn't say I feel more like an international player now, but I certainly felt more settled in the (Wales) squad when you know you're going to play more of a role.

"I only recently looked back at the games and it was surreal to watch me playing for Wales. But it was a nice reflective moment. It's certainly something I aspire to again."