Rhys Thomas: Coach happy at Gloucester after Wales role

Thomas, who won 27 caps in a playing career that featured Cardiff, Dragons and Wasps, did get a taste of international coaching.

He assisted Sherratt in the Six Nations defeats to Ireland, Scotland and England before the frustration of losing from a position of strength in Kitakyushu and relief at getting the job done in Kobe.

It means that Tandy starts this autumn without a monkey on his back.

“It’s probably a nicer place for him to start,” said Thomas, who played at the 2007 World Cup.

“It was amazing to get the chance to coach my country. To work with the boys and staff was a very good experience and I took a lot from it.

“There were a lot of people that had gone through a lot more hard times and losses than me, so there was relief for them at getting the win.

“[Wales football head coach] Craig Bellamy came in the week before we left for Japan and talked about how excited he would be to get the chance to be a member of the squad and staff that turned that losing run around. The spin that he put on things got us excited to make history in a different way.”

Wilson was in charge of the pack in Japan and the former Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff coach has opted to return to Wales to work under Tandy.

“Danny has international experience with Scotland and the set piece went very well,” said Thomas.

“He’s got that experience, the detail and everyone was impressed with him in the summer. I am sure he will do a brilliant job.”

Thomas, meanwhile, will hope to help Gloucester build on a promising 2024-25 in which they finished fifth, just two points outside the play-offs.

The Cherry and Whites are currently in Prem Rugby Cup action ahead of the league opener at Sale on Thursday, 25 September.

“Everyone was excited about the way that we played last season but in the Prem you have to back that up,” said Thomas.

“Teams will have figured out the way that we have played and we need to evolve our game, which is exciting after a really good pre-season.”