Former Wales international Gareth Thomas admitted life in Super League is “much tougher.”
But life in Wrexham, playing for the Crusaders RL, suits him fine and Gareth, 36, and the rest of the Crusaders squad took time off to visit North Wales’ premier shopping centre, Eagles Meadow in Wrexham, to sign autographs and chat to fans.
And as they queued up for autographs in the brilliant sunshine they were also treated to the Crusaders Street Dance Crew performing their latest routine.
Gareth, known to fans as ‘Alfie’, became the first Welshman to win 100 rugby union international caps for his country by the time he played his final game for Wales in the 2007 World Cup, in which he scored a try.
But life as a rugby league player is much harder he insists.
Now in his second season at Wrexham, he said: “It’s a much tougher, faster, more intense game, especially at the back where I play. In Union at the back you have time to relax, but the League is 13 men in motion.
“It’s my second year now. I had a kind of tough baptism. I understand the game a lot more now and I feel more like a natural league player.”
Alice Lee, from Gwersyllt, a 14-year-old pupil at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham, was only too glad to get Gareth’s autograph. She started going to watch the Crusaders after persuading her father to take her.
“I go to all the home games I can, I much prefer rugby to football, there’s more action, it’s a proper sport,” she said.
Gareth, a native of Bridgend, said: “It’s great being up north, I think the people of Wrexham are great the way they come out to support us. You have lots of beautiful places, lovely villages near Wrexham.
“I’ve based myself in Wrexham, right by the Racecourse. The people up here are hungry for some kind of rugby team to support, whether it be union or league.”
“I don’t miss Union. I enjoyed my time and it gave me a great life, but this is where I want to be now. I watch Wales of course and I have friends in the Cardiff Blues, but this is where I am and this is what I am enjoying now.”
Jasmine Williams, an 11-year-old pupil at Ysgol Grango, Rhos’, was collecting an autograph from first team member Jarrod Sammut along with mum, Mrs Gwyneth Williams, of Afoneitha, Penycae. “My husband Nigel is into rugby and we are season ticket holders,” said Mrs Williams.
A shopping day in Wrexham was also an autograph hunting bonus for friends Iwan Lloyd and Osian Dobson, both nine, and both from Llanrwst, as they pose with first team players (left to right) Mark Bryant, Rhys Hanbury, Michael Witt and Tony Martin.
“They both have to play football at the moment but they both want to get into rugby, “ said Osian’s mum, Mrs Nerys Dobson. “It’s better to come here and watch rather than have to go all the way to Cardiff.”
Crusaders have very big Super League games ahead of them with Huddersfield Giants at home on April 22, Leeds Rhinos away on April 25 and then face Leeds again away on May 7 in the Challenge Cup which will be shown on BBC in front of an estimated audience of over one million.
Crusaders player Vince Mellars added: “It is great that so many people turned out to see us at Eagles Meadow. We have loyal supporters who spend a lot of time and effort following us home and away. Hopefully we can repay their faith with a good performance against Huddersfield on Friday at the Racecourse Ground.”
Matthew Pritchard, Community Development Manager for Crusaders RL said:
“The club has been overwhelmed with the warm support we’ve received from the public since our move to Wrexham.”
Tickets for the Crusaders home game against Huddersfield Giants on Friday, April 22 (kick-off 2pm) are now on sale.
Tickets start at £15 for adults, £10 for students and seniors, and £7 for juniors. These tickets are available at a special early bird price.
Tickets available from the club shop, by calling the ticket office on
0871 221 9511 or online.
