Rugby coach has two heart attacks and a stroke within three days

Mrs Thomas said doctors warned his quality of life could be affected by the stroke, but she was hopeful he would make a full recovery.

“He looks well and his speech isn’t affected, I know he’ll be driven to walk again as quickly as possible because he’ll want to be up and about to play with, Teddie.”

Mr Thomas has also overcome a number of infections but will undergo rehabilitation once he has been transferred to Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Caerphilly county.

He had played for Pontypool and retired through injury but had taken over as team coach at the start of the season.

Mrs Thomas said her husband had been anxious since an ex-teammate and close friend died after a heart attack at the age of 33 last year.

“Ryan is really fit and healthy, he rarely drinks and goes to the gym regularly and looks after himself with a good diet,” Mrs Thomas said.

“I can’t believe this could happen to someone who is fit and healthy.”