Wales prop Thomas retires

London - Former Wales prop Rhys Thomas has retired from rugby with immediate effect after suffering a heart attack in January, it was confirmed on Friday.

The 29-year-old Scarlets prop, who won the last of his seven caps for Wales in a match against South Africa in 2008, suffered the heart attack during a gym session.

He underwent a quadruple heart bypass which saved his life but has not played since. Thomas also suffered a mild heart attack during an earlier stint in his playing career with Newport Gwent Dragons in 2006.

"At the moment, it is about spending time with my family and friends and I'd like to thank my wife, Paula, for all her support," Thomas said.

"I'm just concentrating on getting myself fit and healthy again and that could take 12 months after what's happened," headded.

"It's still early but I know that I want to stay in the game that means so much to me. Perhaps coaching, helping out young front rowers. There's a number of things I might be able to do.