When Thomas surpassed Ieuan Evans' all-time Welsh tryscoring record in the 2004 Six Nations with his 34th touchdown against Italy, he sealed his reputation as one of his country’s most reliable and inspirational players.

The captaincy followed as new coach Mike Ruddock sought both to set his own stamp on the side and mould a team capable of challenging the best in the world.

And it is impossible to overstate the importance of Thomas' role in Wales' Six Nations triumph earlier this year, where despite missing the last two matches with a fractured thumb his influence both as a player and captain was beyond reproach.

In making his Wales debut in the 1995 World Cup, an exuberant Thomas immediately ensured his place in history with a hat-trick of tries off the right wing while his 'Ayatollah' celebration quickly became the stuff of legend.

Having started out his international on the wing, he switched to what was then his favoured centre position before finding a happy home during the 2003 World Cup at full-back.

He has grown into the position to such an extent he has a real chance of finding himself first choice in the Lions Test team.

His pace and strength in the tackle have always made him a real handful for any defence, and he has matured into a superb all-round player with such respect in the game he was touted as a possible Lions captain this summer, only losing out to Brian O'Driscoll.