Freddie Thomas: Gloucester lock shock at Wales call-up

Thomas has been influenced by a strong Welsh contingent at Kingsholm with former Wales hooker Rhys Thomas proving a mentor in his role as Gloucester forwards transition coach.

Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Josh Hathaway and Max Llewellyn have also been included as part of a five-strong Gloucester contingent due to link up with the Wales squad this week.

“The Welsh influence has been good and hopefully will make it easier for me next week when we go into camp,” said Thomas.

“Tomos and Gareth have been amazing for us on and off the field providing the experience we need. Max and Josh are more my age so I also get along with them really well.”

Thomas is also grateful to have been given an opportunity by Gloucester head coach and former lock George Skivington.

“He gave me a good chance to play and backed me, he has put his faith in the young guys,” said Thomas.

“He’s been amazing with me around the set-piece. He’s so diligent around the maul and line-outs, all that kind of stuff which were his bread and butter as as a player.”

Thomas, who describes himself as a lock who can play in the back row, has been preferred in the squad to the likes of Cardiff’s Teddy Williams.

He is set to battle it out with Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza and Ben Carter for the two second-row positions in the three November internationals.

Thomas says he has never met Gatland and Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys and is looking forward to the unknown.

“All I hear about the Welsh squad is positive,” said Thomas.

“I don’t know what to expect and there are a lot of boys I have not met.

“I’m kind of going in there almost expecting nothing and then see what happens. I am sure it will be tough and I am trying to get the most out of the four weeks.”