Rhys Thomas appointed Newport Gwent Dragons captain

Thomas won the first of his 27 Wales caps against the USA Eagles in 2005.

Newport Gwent Dragons have appointed former Wales hooker Rhys Thomas as captain for the 2015-16 season.

The 32-year-old, capped 27 times by Wales, was a stand-in captain for a number of games during the 2014-15 campaign.

Thomas, who joined Dragons from Wasps in 2012, succeeds the retired Lee Byrne.

"I am truly honoured to have been selected as captain for the coming season," Thomas said.

"I thoroughly enjoyed leading the team last year, with the challenge being to guide young Gwent talent to the next level.

"There has been a massive change in the squad attitude and the standard at the Dragons since I arrived in 2013 and I am excited about our prospects for next season."

Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones said former Cardiff Blues player Thomas was an "excellent choice" as permanent skipper.

"Rhys has made a real impression with everybody here at the Dragons," Jones said.