Alfie to play for Barbarians in summer tour

Mar 29 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

GARETH Thomas is returning to international rugby this summer – with the Barbarians.

The 100-cap former Wales captain will pull on the famous invitational shirt for the first time as the Baa-Baas, under the stewardship of Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young, embark on a three-match programme against England, Ireland and Belgium.

Thomas has never officially retired from playing for Wales but – as he himself expected – didn’t feature in the immediate plans of Warren Gatland in the Six Nations just gone.

Alfie may have thought his days facing up to the likes of England and Ireland were over, but he has now signed to take on the two countries for the Barbarians in what are sure to be mouthwatering clashes.

Thomas could be playing alongside the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Chris Latham, Josh Lewsey, Stephen Larkham, Felipe Contepomi, Ollie Le Roux, Mark Regan and Sebastien Chabal, all of whom have been approached to feature this summer.

And Llanelli Scarlets Regan King is a definite, having already committed to the series.

Alfie will follow in the footsteps of Blues team-mates Martyn Williams and Tom Shanklin, who both featured in the Barbarians’ 22-5 win against world champions South Africa at Twickenham last December.

The clash with England is the showpiece match of the three.

The Ireland encounter is being played at Gloucester’s Kingsholm because Croke Park is unavailable.