Thomas hopes new-look Wales rise from 'dark spot'

Gloucester-born Thomas made his Wales debut against South Africa in 2024 after being capped by England at under-18 and under-20 level

Gloucester forward Freddie Thomas is hoping the new Steve Tandy era can help lift Wales from the previous "dark spot" they found themselves in.

Thomas, who can play lock or flanker, was part of the starting side that ended Wales' losing streak in Japan in the summer after 18 Test match defeats.

Tandy has since come in as the new head coach with the squad meeting up this week and Thomas suggesting there is a new vibe.

"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."

Thomas, 23, says Wales desperately needed that win against Japan in Kobe in July to ease the 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," said Thomas.

"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."

Thomas is primarily a lock, but is also an option at blind-side flanker if Tandy is looking at selecting a bulkier forward pack.

"I generally don't really care, I just want to play," said Thomas.

"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."

Friends reunited

Thomas has been reunited with his former Gloucester team-mate Louis Rees-Zammit who has returned to rugby from American football.

"I was in the Gloucester academy with him, so it's always nice to have an old friend back in the group," said Thomas.

"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 will add his experiences on and off the field within the Wales camp.

"He's an unbelievable player and definitely not shy," said Thomas.

"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."