LONDON – Wales and Worcester Warriors forward Jonathan Thomas has been forced to retire from all forms of rugby after receiving grave medical advice.
Earning 67 caps for Wales in between 2003 and 2011 including being apart of Wales’ winning 6 Nations campaigns in 2005 and 2008, Thomas was diagnosed with epilepsy last year. It is thought to have been caused by multiple head traumas experienced whilst playing rugby.
The 32 year old started his career at Swansea before joining Ospreys in which he scored 14 tries in 188 appearances for the Welsh side. Moving to Worcester in 2013, Thomas captained the Warriors side in the 2013/2014 season before assisting them to achieve promotion to the Aviva Premiership last season.
Making 44 appearances for Worcester in total, he signed a two year contract extension for the side at the beginning of the year
Thomas said the “highlight of his career was representing Wales”.
“I grew up as a mad Welsh rugby fan and to have played with so many great players, won two Grand Slams, played in two World Cups and gained 67 caps, is something I used to dream about as a youngster” he added.
Sadly I have to announce my retirement from the game. Thanks to everyone within rugby circles for the great memories. http://t.co/vXI2ZRxPlA
— Jonathan Thomas (@jtrugbycoach) September 15, 2015