Gareth Thomas completes switch from union to Wales rugby league side Crusaders

Published: 1:58PM GMT 05 Mar 2010

Crossing codes: Gareth Thomas has substituted 15-man diversion for 13-man foe Photo: PA

The Wrexham-based outfit finished days of conjecture when they voiced the constraint of the 35-year-old full-back or three-quarter, who is the majority capped Welsh player of all time, at a press discussion at the Racecourse Ground.

"I am unequivocally vehement by the aspiration of the Crusaders and personification for someone of the experience and repute of Brian Noble and Iestyn Harris unequivocally excites me," pronounced Thomas.

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"This move was not about income but about a possibility of a uninformed plea on the margin and an event to foster rugby in north Wales off the field."

Thomas, who won 100 caps for Wales and captained the Lions opposite New Zealand in 2005, is the initial poignant modify given rugby kinship went veteran in 1995.

Crusaders authority Ian Roberts said: "This is a indeed staggering day in the Crusaders" history.

"Getting a player of Gareth Thomas" status and capability at the Racecourse is a vital manoeuvre for us. We"re construction something special here at Wrexham. We wish rugby joining to attain in north Wales."

Thomas has sealed a stipulate covering the rest of this deteriorate with an choice on a second deteriorate and will begin precision rught away underneath Noble and the rest of the Crusaders coaching staff after being expelled from stipulate with Cardiff Blues.

"I think Gareth Thomas is a fanciful player," pronounced Noble. "He"s an extraordinary contestant and I"m a outrageous fan of his talents.

"He"s in illusory figure and has obviously looked after himself over the years."

Noble does not hold he is receiving a risk in signing a player who will spin 36 in July.

"He has all the attributes to attain in rugby league," combined Noble. "He"s big and he"s strong, has good footwork and he is not fearful to put in a change in counterclaim either.

"His ability levels are unusual and he brings a resources of experience that you usually can"t buy. He will supplement a lot to the group as well as mending the form of the diversion here in Wales."

Thomas is set to have his Crusaders entrance opposite Catalans Dragons in their subsequent home diversion on Friday, Mar 19.

Rugby League"s kinship converts:

David Watkins (Joined Salford from Newport in 1967) The usually man to captain the Great Britain rugby joining side and the British and Irish Lions rugby kinship team. Watkins was a autarchic goalkicker and glorious footballer. Became Salford captain when he assimilated and led them to the Challenge Cup last in 1969. Went on to manager Great Britain after his retirement. Currently boss of the Crusaders.

Jonathan Davies (Joined Widnes from Llanelli in 1988) The twinkle-toed fly-half dumbfounded Welsh rugby when he inaugurated to switch to joining following an annoying home better opposite Romania. Davies primarily struggled with the physicality of joining but grew to turn one of the most appropriate playmakers in the game. He represented Great Britain on 10 occasions, scoring a noted try in the feat over Australia at Wembley in 1994, and was piece of the Wales patrol that reached the 1995 World Cup semi-finals.

Martin Offiah (Joined Widnes from Rosslyn Park in 1987) Had been sloping as a destiny England general in kinship but became a fable on his switch to league. Scored 186 tries in 159 appearances for Wigan, together with his noted length-of-the-field measure opposite Leeds in the 1994 Challenge Cup final.

Scott Quinnell (Joined Wigan from Llanelli in 1994) The absolute ball-carrier was seen as a healthy fit for joining but he flattered to mistreat during his spell at Central Park. Helped Wigan win the joining pretension and was in the Wales patrol that reached the 1995 World Cup semi-finals.

Scott Gibbs (Joined St Helens from Swansea in 1994) Spent dual years with Saints, winning the Challenge Cup in 1996. Another part of of Wales" 1995 World Cup side who assimilated the line of players who returned to rugby kinship once the 15-man formula went professional. Best remembered for his starring purpose in the Lions 1997 array win in South Africa.