Thomas leaves Wales coaching role

Jonathan Thomas has left the Wales coaching team to seek new and different opportunities in rugby after his contract has reached its natural end.

Thomas joined Warren Gatland’s coaching team when he took over at the helm in 2023 as a contact area coach and leaves the role on positive terms.

“I have decided to move on to pursue other opportunities in rugby and am looking forward to the new challenges ahead,” said Thomas.

“With a young family in mind, I’m excited about some options that are out there. Since the World Cup I’ve been helping coach at The Kings School, Gloucester and it’s made me think differently about what the future may look like. I’m looking forward to developing that relationship amongst other ventures.

“I will always be grateful for my time on the coaching team with Wales, but the time is right for me to make a change.

“The hard work and dedication of the players over the last year has been impressive to watch and I wish everyone well for the future.”

Warren Gatland said: “Jonathan has been an important member of the team, he is an excellent coach with a great future in the game and has made a valuable contribution to the side’s development especially during the World Cup in France,” said Gatland.

“We wish him well with his future plans and I know he will be an asset to any side in whatever capacity he chooses to pursue next.”