Freddie Thomas: Lock’s Wales call-up a ‘success story’ for Gloucester

Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas’ first call-up to the Wales squad is a “real success story” for the club, says director of rugby George Skivington.

The 22-year-old has come through the Cherry and Whites’ pathway, starting at under-13 level in their academy before breaking into the senior team.

He has played in all four of Gloucester’s Premiership games this season so far, starting three, and scoring three tries.

“Fred’s been brilliant for us this year,” Skivington told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

“We’ve been working hard on Fred and his pals [academy players] now for a number of years and it’s great to see them come through, really dominating.

“[They’re] Pushing people out of the team here but also putting their hand up for international selection.”

Thomas is one of five Gloucester players included in Warren Gatland’s 35-man Wales group for the autumn internationals alongside fly-half Gareth Anscombe, scrum-half Tomos Williams, centre Max Llewellyn and wing Josh Hathaway.

He was capped by England at under-18s and under-20s levels but switched allegiance as he qualifies through his Welsh grandparents.

“From our point of view [Thomas is] a real success story because we’ve invested a huge amount of time, effort, commitment to these young lads,” Skivington said.

“When they go and get recognition of an international honour, there’s a lot of people behind the scenes celebrating that because of all the hard work that’s been done to support him.”