Thomas' milestone as he returns to Ospreys squad
Wales prop Gareth Thomas will make his 150th appearance for the Ospreys when they face Ulster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday. This opportunity comes after Thomas requested to be released from Steve Tandy's Six Nations squad.
Thomas will take the field in Bridgend with the aim of reaffirming his value after falling down the Wales selection order, where Rhys Carre of Saracens is currently the first-choice loose-head prop, with Leicester's Nicky Smith as his deputy.
"I was pretty much begging Steve [Tandy] last week if I can come back to play my 150th game at home in front of my family so I'm really excited for it," said Thomas.
"It (his time with Ospreys) has flown, but I'm quite proud to achieve that. If you look at my position, who has achieved that?
"There are only three or four top-end loose-heads who have done it so to be in that group is class in a club that I love as well. It's a proud moment for me."
Alongside Thomas, centre Owen Watkin, flanker Harri Deaves, and scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams have also been released by Wales to join the Ospreys for URC duties this weekend. Watkin is included in the starting XV, while Deaves and Morgan-Williams are named on the bench.
Thomas expresses concerns over Ospreys' future
Reflecting on his tenure with the Ospreys, Thomas voiced concerns about the club's long-term viability amid ongoing uncertainty. This uncertainty stems from the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) plan to reduce the top tier of Welsh rugby from four teams to three.
"I love the club and what it represents, what it's about and who's worn the jersey before me. I supported the Ospreys when I was younger and it kills me a little bit when you think of the history just stopping at a point. It doesn't sit well with me," Thomas said.
"Having 150 jerseys means so much to me and I don't want to look back and think I've had 150 caps for a club that doesn't exist anymore."
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones welcomed the return of the quartet from Wales camp, noting their eagerness to gain playing time.
"They've had limited game-time. Those four in particular, they are chomping at the bit to get some rugby under their belt so it's been good to get them back around the group."
Ulster present a significant challenge
Ulster currently sit fourth in the URC standings, 11 points ahead of ninth-placed Ospreys. Jones acknowledged the challenge posed by Ulster's style of play.
"They bring a multi-pronged attack. They've got a very aggressive defence that forces a lot of turnovers, they are very aggressive at the contact area which creates turnover and they love to come alive off of those turnovers," Jones said.
"They punish teams badly and really make those turnovers count when you're in the unstructured phase of play."
Ulster's squad includes Bryn Ward at number eight among several Ireland Six Nations players made available for selection.
Match details and lineups
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 28 February, at 19:45 GMT, with live radio and text commentary available on the website and app.
Ospreys starting XV: Hopkins; Kasende, Watkin, K Williams, Giles; Walsh, Foley; G Thomas, Parry (co-capt), Henry, Fender, R Smith, Ratti, Moriarty, Morse.
Replacements: L Lloyd, S Thomas, Botha, Sutton, Deaves, Morgan-Williams, Scully, Boshoff.
Ulster starting XV: Lowry; Kok, Hume, Postlethwaite, Z Ward, Murphy; O'Sullivan, Stewart, Wilson, Henderson, Irvine, Dalton, McCann, B Ward.
Replacements: Herring, Bell, O'Connor, Sheridan, Rea, McKee, Flannery, Carson.
Assistant referees: Craig Evans (Wales) and Keith David (Wales).
