Super Rygbi can be a massive asset in developing our new stars, says Thomas

WELSH Grand Slam hero Jonathan Thomas has thrown his weight behind Super Rygbi Cymru, tipping it to become Wales' answer to England's Championship and New Zealand's NPC.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

Former Wales flanker Thomas has taken the reins as head coach of Swansea for the second season of the SRC which gets under way this weekend.

The Welsh Rugby Union plans to enhance the SRC as part of its radically new structure for the professional game which could see a reduction from four professional clubs to just two.

Thomas insists this level of the game is vital in developing the next generation of professional players.

"I'll give you an example, and I hate to look to our neighbours across the River Severn as an example, but I played in the English Championship and coached in one season as a coach with Bristol in the champ and one season as a player with Worcester in the champ," he said.

"That's a very good, tough league. There's obviously a difference between the Championship and the English Premiership, but it's not huge.

"If you look at how many players that go into the Premiership from the English Premiership teams, look at, there's no qualms.

"If they see a Championship player doing well they'll bring him into their squad, there's no qualms about that.

"That's where we have to get to with the SRC, it plays a vital role.

"I'm not privy to what's going to end up happening with the regions, how many regions we'll have or whatever. But having a strong SRC is vital to the development of Welsh rugby, not just for the players, but even for the supporters.

"Going to watch the local team, the tribalism, that's what Welsh rugby is all about.

"Having big derby games and bragging rights in the community, that's what Welsh rugby is all about.

"So it's going to play a huge role."

Thomas insists the SRC can eventually service the professional game in Wales in a similar way to the Championship in England and the NPC in New Zealand.

But he has his own views on what needs to change within the pathway.