Wales pair Freddie Thomas and Josh Hathaway aim to catch Steve Tandy’s eye

At 23, Thomas has already become a key figure at Gloucester and was rewarded with a new contract at the start of the year.

He started in 19 of his 21 appearances for the Cherry and Whites last season, made his Test debut against South Africa, played twice in the Six Nations before touring Japan in the summer.

“I was only at Hartpury two years ago, so I’ve come quite a long way,” said Thomas, who was playing in the English Championship at the start of 2024.

“The coaches at Gloucester have been really good, they have backed me, believed in me and pushed me forward.

“It has been the same with the Wales staff, who instilled belief and made me believe that I was good enough for international level. That helped me to push on.”

Thomas started in the second Test in Japan, that ended Wales’ record 18-game losing run, and now wants a shot at the same opponents again, as well as Argentina and New Zealand in November.

Thomas, along with clubmates Tomos Williams and centre Max Llewellyn, will not be available to face South Africa which is outside the Autumn Test window.

He said: “I am just focusing on Gloucester and trying to put performances in, then hopefully I can get in the door to build on that win out in Japan. It should be a good autumn.”

Thomas wore the number six on his back in the opening game of the season at Sale but the 6ft 5ins, 120kg forward is putting on size and wants a subtle change of job title.

“I see myself as a second-row who can play in the back-row, while growing up I was always a back-row first,” he said.

“I want to make sure I have a position because I don’t want to be stuck as an option who can easily be in the 20 shirt.

“I try to play as a back-row would while in the second-row. I want to be a good line-out operator and strong in the set-piece but try to have moments off the ball in defence and attack, running around, being mobile and like an extra back-rower.”