Rugby pays tribute to Roy ‘Shunto’ Thomas, Llanelli and Swansea stalwart, who has died aged 82

Scarlets confirm passing

In a statement, the Scarlets said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Thomas’ passing. Between 1970 and 1977 he played 184 games for Llanelli, including that unforgettable 9–3 victory over New Zealand at Stradey Park.

“The thoughts of us all at the Scarlets are with Roy’s family and friends at this time,” the club said.

Swansea RFC: “A great club man”

Swansea RFC paid tribute to Thomas’ toughness on the field and humour off it. He made 169 appearances for the All Whites between 1966 and 1970, featuring in the 1966 win over Australia at St Helen’s and the 1969 clash with the touring Springboks.

The club noted his unenviable record of being named as Wales’ reserve hooker 25 times without winning a full cap, sitting behind internationals Jeff Young and Bobby Windsor.

“He will be remembered in Swansea not for that unwanted statistic, but for his tough uncompromising play and his great sense of humour off the field,” the club said.

Loughor RFC: “A true legend of the game”

Thomas’ home club, Loughor RFC, described him as a “true legend” and highlighted his family ties, with his daughter Karen now coaching at the club.

“Our minis paid their respects to not only a great figure in Welsh rugby, but also to a much‑loved father of their coach, Karen,” the club said.

The ‘nearly man’ of Wales

Despite never winning a full cap, Thomas was a near‑permanent fixture in the Wales squad throughout the 1970s. In an era when substitutions were only permitted for injuries, he was repeatedly named on the bench but never took the field.

He was later awarded a Welsh Rugby Union President’s cap for appearing in an uncapped match against Tonga in 1974 — a prized possession he kept on display at his Loughor home.

Memories of 1972

Thomas’ career highlight came on 31 October 1972, when Llanelli stunned the All Blacks 9–3 at Stradey Park. He recalled the pitch invasion and wild celebrations that followed:

“The All Blacks players couldn’t believe it. After the game, when we were sitting together and drinking, they were telling us you were much better than us on the day.”

It was, famously, the day the pubs ran dry in Llanelli.

“I had a load. I had a lift home to Penclawdd. They took me back to the club at about 8pm. I was well‑oiled!” he laughed in a later interview.

Life beyond rugby

After finishing with Llanelli in the late 1970s, Thomas returned to Penclawdd RFC for a spell as coach and remained a regular supporter of “The Donkeys”. Away from rugby, he worked delivering coal around Gower, transporting cockles across the UK, and later for British Steel.

Reflecting on his career, Thomas once said he would never have swapped the All Blacks victory for a full Welsh cap:

“No, I wouldn’t give that up. No‑one can ever take that day away from me.”

Legacy

Known for his fierce scrummaging, quick left foot, and lineout accuracy, Thomas was admired by teammates and opponents alike. He will be remembered as a determined player, a loyal club man, and a gentleman of the game.

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