The pre-Japan camp that made Wales prop lose 3kg in fluid

Prop Gareth Thomas believes the impact of front-row greats Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins can help Wales “turn the corner” in their upcoming Test series in Japan.

Wales are aiming to register their first victory since the 2023 World Cup in the Far East and end a run of 17 successive Test defeats.

Interim boss Matt Sherratt has brought Jenkins on board as defence coach, with the 129-times capped loosehead recognised as one of Wales’ greatest players.

Jenkins’ return means being reunited with his old Wales and British and Irish Lions sparring partner as former tighthead prop Adam Jones is in charge of the scrum.

Fixture

Internationals

Japan

08:00

5 Jul 25

Wales

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“We had ‘Bomb’ (Jones) in the Six Nations and he’s been class for us,” said Ospreys prop Thomas.

“He’s awesome for the front rowers, he’s bringing scrum time, and is just a great bloke to have around as well.

“Gethin is obviously one of the best looseheads who’s played for Wales, so it’s great for the boys to work with him and use his mindset stuff.

“We’re looking forward to getting some good defensive stuff going in Japan and the opportunity to try and turn the corner.”

Wales meet Eddie Jones’ Japan in a two-match series, with the first Test in Kitakyushu on July 5 and the second in Kobe on July 12.

The 40-times capped Thomas is one of the most experienced players in the squad and sees similarities with the 2022 tour of South Africa as Wales bid to end their awful run of results.

Wales lost that series 2-1 against the world champions, but won the second Test – their first ever victory on South African soil – having been beaten narrowly by three points in the opening match.

Thomas said: “The last summer tour we had with this kind of block was South Africa, four or five weeks together before we went.

“We don’t have that opportunity in the autumn and Six Nations to have this time together. So this time has been really good for us.”

Much has been made of the conditions awaiting Wales with extreme heat and humidity expected for two mid-afternoon kick-offs.

Wales’ preparation has included gruelling heat chamber sessions at their training base in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Thomas said: “You go to the well, but I love it – the whole squad in there.

“The most I have lost is three kilos of fluid and we have to make sure we replace that, because otherwise we would be dehydrated and struggling.

“It’s good to see how hard the boys are working because it’s going to be tough out there.”