Ah Well

By Paul French 07/03/04
March 7 2004

Forgotten man Arwel Thomas wants a move home to Wales after failing to settle in France with Pau.

Circa 1997 and for a brief time in 2000, former Swansea outside half Thomas was seen as the bright new hope in Welsh rugby, however a nightmare substitute appearance against South Africa in the Autumn internationals of 2000 saw the end of his international aspirations.

In fact Thomas was never the same player at club level, and drifted away to such an extend he failed to gain a regional contract. French side Pau offered a lifeline the 23 times capped player duly accepted, only for his spell in the Pyrenees to be blighted by injuries.

Despite the recent arrival of former Swansea team mate Colin Charvis in near by Tabres, Thomas has failed to settle;

"The language barrier is also frustrating as it has been difficult to communicate to the coaches and the club exactly what I'm feeling.

"My daughter didn't settle in the schools out here, and she's now back in Wales with my wife, Claire, who is pregnant and wants to have the baby at home, that's brought things to a head."

With Gavin Henson converting to full back and Shaun Connor looking out of his depth, a return to West Glamorgan looks like a real possibility. Mike Ruddock may also be interested in luring him to Gwent, with niether Carig Warlow or Lee Jarvis impressing.

However, as Colin Charvis' failure to secure a regional contract showed, few teams are willing to take a risk on players perceived as liabilities.

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