DAN Thomas turned his back on dairy farming in a bid to become the cream of the crop in the Welsh back row.
The 25-year-old Bears flanker, a standout at U20 level, refuses to believe his hopes of following former age grade colleagues into the Wales side are over.
After being released by the Scarlets, Thomas was forced to buck up his ideas or face a career milking cows on his family farm.
Now at Bristol, he is aiming high again. “It was a big kick in the teeth when I got let go by the Scarlets,” Thomas said.
“I was a home bird working on our dairy farm back in Carmarthen, but Nigel Davies gave me an opportunity to go to Gloucester and that made me buck up my ideas. It was either get up at 7am to milk the cows or make a living playing rugby.”
Thomas, who impressed enough at Gloucester to be recruited by Bristol last summer, added: “I've just bought a property in Bristol and my girlfriend is moving up, so I'm enjoying life and my long-term goal is to play for my country.
“I grew up playing with Ellis Jenkins, while James Davies and Josh Navidi are also doing really well so there's a hell of a lot of competition.
“There's no point me just waiting my turn. I've got to force the issue by playing really well at Bristol.
“If I'm playing well and any of the current back rowers get an injury or retire, then maybe I'll get my chance. I've got to be playing better than them to get an opportunity.”
Thomas has been a bitpart figure with Bristol this season with the Bears boasting a wealth of backrow riches but he took his chance in the vicotry over Zebre last weekend.
He added: “When I first signed for Bristol I knew Steven Luatua was coming, Jordan Crane was here and George Smith is a rugby legend.
“In training we bounce off each other quite well and I try to pick little things up to improve my game.”
George Smith has extended his stay with Bristol Bears for the remainder of the Premiership campaign. Initially signed on a six-month deal, the club and flanker have mutually agreed to a contract extension.
“George has been a superb addition to the squad,” said head coach Pat Lam. “We're delighted to keep him here, and he's really enjoying it here, so it was an easy decision for both parties to make.”
The 111-cap Wallaby has featured in every Premiership game this season, helping Bristol to two wins from their opening six fixtures.
Smith added: “I've thoroughly enjoyed the first couple of months and I'm looking forward to continuing to contribute however I can.”
