The 25-year-old tighthead prop is a strong scrummager and will add strength in depth to the Ospreys’ front-row stocks. Thomas was a key member of the Wales under 20s side which reached the Junior World Cup final in 2013.
He began his career at the Ospreys and has also played for Gloucester, Scarlets, Dragons and Bristol. “There is unfinished business for me with the Ospreys,” said Thomas.
“It feels like a new era, a new chapter for the Ospreys, it is an exciting time to be returning home, and this is something I really wanted to do, play for the Ospreys. It’s like there is a line in the sand has been drawn, with a new Head Coach, Toby Booth, and Mike Ruddock being involved.
“I know it has been a tough season there, but for me this is just an exciting challenge. I am a Swansea boy, born and bred, and the Ospreys are my region.
“I used to watch them when I was younger with Nicky and Scott, and we used to argue about who was better, Adam or Duncan Jones. Nicky would always argue for Duncan, as a loosehead, and I would argue for Adam, as a tighthead.
“The three of us grew up watching the Ospreys and I know this would be a big thing for all of our families, if myself, Nicky and Scott played as a starting front row for the Ospreys.” Dan Griffiths, the Ospreys Rugby General Manager, believes Thomas is a player ready for the challenge of returning to Wales and playing for his home region.
“Nicky is a product of the Ospreys Academy, and from the moment there was an opportunity to return to the Ospreys you could see and hear the passion and enthusiasm he has for the club,” said Griffiths.
“He has always been regarded as a very good scrummager, and did extremely well with Wales at U20s level. Through time and experience he has learned that there is more to the game, and has matured at Bristol this season and put in some consistent performances.
“He is still only 25 and has his best years ahead of him. Nicky knows that the opportunity to return to your home region doesn’t often come around in rugby, and he is determined to apply himself and contribute to his home region.”
