12 Aug THOMAS LOVING BEING BACK AT THE BREWERY
It doesn’t get more specialist than a prop. In the trenches of the front row, every inch matters. A position where brute strength meets refined skills. Whether at set-piece or in open play, their fingerprints can be found all over a contest. Wales have produced some sensational props such as Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins. Marc Thomas is a Welsh prop with a treasure trove of experience. From Ospreys to Worcester, he’s played at a professional level. He returns to Brewery Field to scrum down for the Ravens this season.
The foundations
Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Thomas took his first steps in rugby at the Builth Wells clubhouse. A club with a storied history, the loosehead prop fell in love with the game in the colours of his hometown club. There is something special about grassroots rugby; the spirit that can be found in its walls is indescribable. Thomas has an unbreakable bond with Builth Wells, and he elaborates on how special the club is.
“Builth Wells will always be my home club. I still like to support them when I can. I played a couple of games for them a couple of seasons ago to play with my best mate again, and enjoyed it.
“For me, grassroots rugby is all about having a serious side to a club you care for, and enjoying the beers after.”
From Glamorgan Wanderers to Bridgend Ravens, his rise was steady and earned. A season with Otago at U19 level in New Zealand added a global edge to his early journey. All of this gave Thomas a perfect platform for the professional game.
Ospreys
“Ospreys were my first professional club, and to play for them is something I will always be proud of.”
After standing out at the Brewery Field, Thomas was brought into the Ospreys fold, making the jump to the professional game. He handled the increased speed and physicality well, making 40 appearances for the region. November 2012 marked his debut at the Liberty Stadium, taking on Leinster. Battling across league and European stages, Thomas proved his worth. He became a name the team could rely on. Packing down with Welsh legends such as Adam Jones would have helped him along the way. By the time 2016 came around, it was time for a new challenge. Thomas made his way to Jersey.
The Championship
May 2016 brought change, as Thomas penned a two-year deal with Jersey Reds. The English Championship became his next proving ground. The Welshman made 14 appearances for the club, crossing the whitewash twice. Though it was brief, his time at Jersey was fruitful. Thomas and the Reds reached the final of the British and Irish Cup, where they narrowly lost out to Munster A. The prop said goodbye to Jersey mid-season, then had a brief stint in the Welsh capital with Cardiff Rugby, before moving back to the Championship.
The summer of 2017 saw Thomas join Yorkshire Carnegie, formerly Leeds Carnegie. A new badge, but the same hunger to perform. He spent two years in Leeds, where he was a part of big games against London Irish. After his stints with Leeds, he moved to Doncaster Knights. The English Championship forged him — trial by scrum and grind. Each clash against heavy packs sharpened his edge as a front-row force. It was a long time until the English giants came knocking.
Moving to the Premiership
In the latter stages of 2020, Harlequins brought him in. This led to a permanent move to Worcester Warriors. His scrummaging and attitude made him an essential part of the Warriors squad. Over two seasons, Thomas made over 30 appearances. He had some memorable moments throughout his stint with the club. On 25 September 2021, he crashed over for a late try in a thrilling 35-29 win against Harlequins. A defining moment that captured his value on the field. Not only did he have big moments on the field, but he also attained silverware. Warriors toppled London Irish to win the 2022 Premiership Rugby Cup. Thomas spent a lot of time playing in Wales and England. He talks about playing in England.
“The Premiership was a seriously hard league, and there was no easy game. Not only that, but the Championship was a very good league too, especially for a prop. The standard of the set piece was high.”
After an ankle break put an end to his time with the Warriors, it was time to come home.
Homecoming
Thomas came back across the Severn home to Wales after Worcester. He had stints with iconic clubs like Pontypool and Cardiff. The former Ospreys player will return to the Brewery Field for the upcoming season. Thomas will join an ambitious squad looking to achieve big things. It will be exciting to see how his second stint with the Ravens will go. Thomas talks about what Bridgend means to him.
“Bridgend is a club I owe a lot to. They allowed me to get into the Ospreys, and I have always loved playing for them.
“To sign again this year — maybe a bit older — it probably means a little more, as my playing days may not have long left. But I want to give back to the club that gave me that first chance.
“My son was born in the area, and I live down the road, so it makes it that bit more special.”
He will be looking to bring a fearless work ethic and powerful scrummaging to the Ravens.
“Rugby has given me some great opportunities. I have seen many parts of the world and met some good people. Rugby has been a big part of my life, and I hope to pass that on to my son too.”
These words speak to Thomas’ devotion to the game and the lessons he’s learnt along the way. He has travelled far, earned respect, and grown stronger. Now, Thomas brings it all to the Brewery Field.
Written by Peter Ryan (The Rugby Paper)
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Club Membership is now on sale, and you can watch every moment of our upcoming 25/26 Super Rygbi Cymru campaign at the Brewery Field from just £125 for an adult membership.
Visit bridgendravens.co.uk/membership to get yours today – but be fast, earlybird prices expire on 17th August.