Former Llanelli hooker Thomas dies aged 82

Former Llanelli hooker Roy Thomas, portion of nan squad that hit New Zealand successful 1972, has died astatine nan property of 82.

Thomas had nan unenviable grounds of sitting connected nan Wales chair a staggering 25 times during nan 1970s without ever taking nan section to triumph a cap.

In an era erstwhile substitutions were made only for injuries, he was thwarted by nan beingness of legendary Wales, Pontypool and British and Irish Lions hooker Bobby Windsor.

But Thomas retired having played 184 games for Llanelli betwixt 1970 and 1977, including downing nan All Blacks 9-3 connected that celebrated time astatine Stradey Park.

Scarlets said successful a social media post, external: "We are profoundly saddened to perceive of nan passing of Roy 'Shunto' Thomas, a personnel of nan legendary Llanelli broadside that hit nan All Blacks.

"The thoughts of america each astatine nan Scarlets are pinch Roy's family and friends."

Thomas was later awarded a Welsh Rugby Union President's headdress for appearing against Tonga successful 1974, a crippled that was not recognised arsenic a afloat Test astatine nan time.