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Rugby Union

Thomas to lead Wales at World Cup

10/08/2007

Gareth Thomas will captain Wales at the World Cup in September.

The veteran back was selected by coach Gareth Jenkins ahead of fly-half Stephen Jones.

Thomas has led his country on numerous occasions before, including Wales' 2005 Grand Slam.

Jones is currently nursing a groin injury which has ruled him out of the warm-up Tests against Argentina and France and put him at a disadvantage in the captaincy selection.

Coach Jenkins said: "Gareth Thomas has the captaincy credentials to take us where we need to go and his influence on and off the pitch is there for all to see."

"Myself, Stephen and Gareth have had long discussions on the subject and identified that Stephen's injury means he is not going to have the opportunity to influence the build-up to the World Cup in the manner in which we would have wished him to do so."

Jenkins announced his squad for the World Cup which included 14 backs and 16 forwards. As expected Gavin Henson missed out as did Robert Sidoli, Lee Byrne, Iestyn Thomas and Gavin Evans.

Wales will play Argentina on August 18th at the Millennium Stadium.

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