Justin Thomas | Part 1 - Full Back Memories, WRU Reforms, and Rugby’s Future

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with former Wales rugby international player Justin Thomas, who played as a full back Thomas made his debut for Wales against South Africa in September 1995. Thomas started all four of Wales' matches in the 1996 Five Nations Championship, as well as the friendly match against Fiji and Italy in 1996 where Thomas scored a try for the national team v Italy. Join us as we delve into his insights on what defines a World Class Player, the return of Warren Gatland, Wales' disappointing 6 Nations performance, the WRU central contracts and new 25 cap rule, Louis Rees-Zammit's potential move to the NFL, the risks and impacts of tackling in rugby, the future of club rugby and a potential Anglo-Welsh league, the role of TMO in rugby, predictions for the Rugby World Cup 2027, and Wales' upcoming Australia tour and 6 Nations prospects for 2025. This is a must-watch for all rugby enthusiasts and fans of Welsh rugby!

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Timestamps

00:02 Intro - Justin Thomas,
00:17 World Class Club
01:13 The qualities that define a world-class rugby player, emphasizing performance under pressure and critical moments in games.
02:40 The consistency of world-class players over time, with a focus on maintaining peak performance for six to eight years.
03:28 Examples of world-class players from different eras, highlighting their skills, attitude, and influence both on and off the field
06:00 The importance of off-field behavior in defining a world-class player, including being a good role model and providing guidance to younger players.
12:00 Current world-class players and emerging talents in rugby, with a look at the future of the sport and upcoming events like the Six Nations and Lions tour.
20:01 Discussing the benefits of reducing the number of games for top-end Wales players to give younger players more game time.
20:16 Mentioning the reduction from 60 to 25 caps needed to play in foreign leagues and the balance of financial opportunities versus international duties.
21:09 The importance of role models in Wales and the impact of the 25 cap rule on young players’ development.
22:00 Reflecting on how playing in different countries can enhance players' skills and potentially improve coaching quality in Wales.
24:27 Discussing a high-profile move of a player to the NFL and the potential impact and excitement surrounding it.
27:30 Concerns about whether more players will follow the same path and the necessity of exceptional speed and agility for success in NFL.
28:16 Addressing the challenges of head injuries in rugby, measures to make the game safer, and the importance of education for coaches and parents on concussion protocols.
40:12 "Then it would lift the levels and be more entertaining."
41:08 "Anglo-Welsh or Anglo-Scottish leagues will happen."
42:08 "Another thing rugby gets right is the video ref, TMO."
43:42 "Referees are now scrutinized by a TMO and no ref wants to get it wrong.
45:56 "Football needs to shorten the VAR time, like rugby's efficient TMO."
47:21 "In rugby, there's utmost respect for officials, unlike in football."
50:09 "Rugby World Cup 2027: Can Northern Hemisphere teams win in Australia?
1:00:10 Wales Aus tour / 6 nations predictions
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his is The World Class Stamp Rugby Podcast, a weekly podcast where the FAN HOSTS sit down with legends of the sport, panel style, to talk about those who made a difference in the great game of rugby from a players' perspective: the top fullbacks, the toughest forwards, the most skillful backs, and the try-scoring machines. We bring it all together with the rugby icons' best ever ONE to FIFTEEN and MANAGER. The panel will challenge the legend on who, IF ANY, gets the WORLD CLASS STAMP.

The show will also look at those who had a great influence off the pitch too - the successful coaches, the funniest team-mates, and the most impressive leaders in the locker room - and pay homage to the BEST MOMENTS from the biggest competitions like the SIX NATIONS, THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP, and the RUGBY WORLD CUP.

Broken down into two or three (depends on how much fun we are having during the interview) episodes with each guest, The World Class Stamp Rugby Podcast will take you inside the minds, the locker room, and to the sidelines of the training ground of some of the best rugby teams and players the sport has ever seen. You will hear stories that surprise you, inspire you, motivate you, and best of all, make you laugh out loud and share them with your mates.