From all forms of Rugby according to the beeb, so his move to Wigan was just a rumour then.

How would people rate his league 'career' since he switched codes?

he hardly disgraced himself, unlucky with injuries, maybe a bit to late in the day for him to make a proper go of it and name for himself.

Fair play for him at having a go at this form of rugby

Also deserves respect for giving up his probable starting spot in the welsh team for the four nations, no doubt wouldve been a definate starter, but recognised he or his body wasnt up to it anymore and couldnt give 100% so let one of the younger members step up instead

Hope he stays involved with the game and finds an ideal coaching/ambassador role within it

Any links?

Would be a shame for the Welsh fans not to see Thomas end his career at the highest level of RL.

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wales/15442570.stm

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wales/15442570.stm

In the last couple of weeks, Wigan Chairman Ian Lenagan has made various comments to the press (in response to JT's rumoured departure to RU) about Wigan's intentions to scout the best young Welsh talent (3-4 players annually he stated). From what I heard was that Wigan were prepared to give Gareth Thomas a last 12 month playing contract but going forward he would then act as a representative of Wigan RL in South Wales to assist IL's motives.

Interesting times ahead possibly.

house........he could'nt play just 3 more games for his country???

Just in time to start training for Dancing On Ice

Strange one. Sounds like he has off field opportunities from how the statement is worded. As rich86 points out, wouldn't be surprised to see him move into the celebrity market and do a few shows.

I don't see him being involved in any attempts by Wigan to plunder Wales of it's rugby talent.

This is a massive shame, big blow for Wales ahead of 4 Nations. On the playing field definately but more on the credibility/ profile point of view. Another Championship player with a Welsh gran to replace him i fear!

Don't understand why he's been with the squad, he's been a massive part in the RFL's marketing strategy etc if he was going to do this.

He might have suffered an injury or had an opportunity to do something else that would have conflicted with the preparation needed for the 4N.

It's a shame because he always seemed so committed to it.

Yeah, true but there's no mention of that in the articles.

Wales will definitely miss him.

Seems very strange news as Thomas has always come across as genuine and committed to the game

If it is an opportunity to do something else that has meant him pulling out of a tournament that starts in three days then he has certainly gone down in my estimations

A few things about dropping out now due to personal reasons. I now expect him to be in an Australian Jungle in a couple of weeks time.

His tweets over the past couple of weeks have been telling. He's obviously very busy with a lot of possible avenues for his post-playing career. Media work, celebrity shows, Union coaching, this supposed film idea. He went over for the Union World Cup and seemed to enjoy that side of things.

If he's given up the 4N for some celebrity show it wouldn't be a good end to what has been a generally positive stint in the sport.

My bet is that he's not really done any training with the squad since breaking his arm and has realised he'd need to focus on that, when they are more lucrative and profile raising opportunities out there for him.

Very good post actually. Unusual from a Saints fan

He has been in NZ commentating on the union world cup for the past few weeks, stood pitch side.

Read somewhere that he has got family problems.

Wales wont win a game in the 4 nations. With or without GT.

The RFL should snap him up as an ambassador for the game. There are not many national names the game can use, it would be criminal if he is totally lost to the game.

Apparently he is having family issues, but I have also heard that he has been offered the position as South Wales Scorpions head coach for next season.

Replacement called up www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=62

Replacement called up www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=62

Most dissapointing, would have loved to watch him play at the double header and end his career in a Wales RL shirt.