WRU brass have confirmed Rhys Thomas as a new addition to their backroom staff ahead of their clash against Ireland this weekend in Cardiff.
In round three of the 2025 Six Nations fixture, Wales sank to a new low as Italy completed back-to-back wins over the Dragons for the first time at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Following the defeat, the WRU parted ways by mutual consent with Warren Gatland.
His departure followed a record run of 14 successive Test match defeats.
Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the tournament with Ireland first up this weekend.
Gatland becomes the second coach to quit during a Six Nations campaign since Mike Ruddock resigned from Wales in 2006.
Sherratt has now drafted in a number of new additions to his staff as the Welsh look to rescue another horrendous Six Nations campaign.
Former Wales hooker Rhys Thomas has been added to the backroom staff as a skills coach for the remainder of the 2025 tournament.
The 42-year-old has joined from Gloucester and will return to the Premiership club once Wales have completed their fixtures against Ireland, Scotland, and England.
Thomas’ role will focus on improving forwards’ skills as they’ll look to improve after a horrific run.
He’ll be working alongside forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys and scrum specialist Adam Jones.
Ireland, seeking to become the first side to win three successive titles outright, face trips to lowly Wales and Italy between a potentially crucial home game against France on March 8.
The Wales vs Ireland is set for Saturday at the Principality Stadium with a 2.15pm kick-off time.
