News

Thomas ready to boost the Ospreys

December 05 2008

For Jonathan Thomas the last four weeks have been pretty hard, especially given he would have had more than a supporting role to play in Wales' November series.

Thomas was all set to take his place in Wales' squad when an ongoing groin problem ruled him out for six weeks, an injury that required surgery to rectify.

Whilst he admitted it was tough to sit and watch Wales he is now on his way back to full fitness after an enforced rest.

The target for Thomas now is to help the Ospreys through a torrid two months of their season, and in doing so win his Wales place back.

Ospreys coach Sean Holley has already spoken about how big a boost it is to have Thomas fit for a crucial period in which their European fate will be decided and Welsh pride is on the line in the Christmas derbies.

And, while the flanker admitted there is never a convenient time to have an operation, he is just delighted he will now be able to play his part.

"The next two months will be very critical for the Ospreys," he told The Western Mail.

"We've got must-win Heineken games, big derbies over Christmas and it's important I am fit for them.

"We've got two very important European fixtures over the next 10 days and then two huge games in January.

"It's a pivotal period for our season. You could say that the next two months will dictate how successful we are this season.

"Being fit for those games is probably the silver lining after missing out on the autumn internationals.

"It is difficult watching from the sidelines. I have played with these guys for years now and it's not just on the field I miss, it's all the banter off it.

"I have to be honest and say I really missed all of that. But it gave me time to reflect and freshen up."

As well as helping the Ospreys achieve success, Thomas has his sights set on regaining his Wales spot - although given the way the back row functioned with Andy Powell at eight and Ryan Jones in Thomas' blindside spot it is difficult to see how he will break the current combination.

That will not stop Thomas though as he, more than likely, begins his journey back against Benetton Treviso on Saturday.

"It will be a great honour if I am selected, it's been a long old road since the formation of the Ospreys," he added.

"There's been ups and downs but I'm extremely proud to be part of the region and how far we have come.

"After that hopefully I will now be available for all the games in the next two months and I can focus on getting back into the Wales squad.

"The Six Nations is my target and there are two months of big regional fixtures in which I need to prove I am over my injury and hitting form."