James Denzil Thomas (21 April 1929 — 17 February 2014) was a Welsh international rugby union player.

Denzil Thomas
Full nameJames Denzil Thomas
Date of birth(1929-04-21)21 April 1929
Place of birthLlandyfriog, Wales
Date of death17 February 2014(2014-02-17) (aged 84)
Place of deathTenby, Wales
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1954 Wales 1 (3)

Born in Llandyfriog, Thomas attended Llandeilo and Ystalyfera Grammar Schools.[1]

Thomas, a centre, played with many clubs during his career, with appearances for Bath, Brynamman, Cwmgors, Llanelli, Neath, the RAF, Skewen and Tenby United. His solitary Wales cap, a 1954 Five Nations match against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, came while he was with Llanelli. He won the match off his own boot with a stoppage time drop-goal to put Wales in front, but still lost his place in the side for the remaining tournament fixtures.[2]

A schoolteacher by profession, Thomas had 30 years as Sports Master of Greenhill Grammar School in Tenby.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Six Nations: Here are some more Welsh internationals from across the region". Tivyside Advertiser. 25 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Welsh win a triumph for Evans". Liverpool Daily Post. 15 March 1954.
  3. ^ "Obituary: Denzil Thomas - Welsh Rugby Union". Welsh Rugby Union. 24 February 2014.
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