Simon Thomas Rugby @simonrug Twitter profile

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Simon Thomas Rugby

14 days

I haven't plugged my latest book for a while, so here goes. It was a real labour of love and I'd love you to read it! You can order it via the link below. Happy reading!

Rugby Lives: The Stories of 26 Welsh Internationals in Their Own Words

A collection of in-depth interviews from one of Wales' best rugby journalists, looking back on the careers of 26 of Welsh rugby's finest players.

www.amazon.co.uk

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Well, it looks like you lot are going to have to put up with me for a while longer yet! Have had my post-chemo scan results back and they are all clear. A huge thank you to everyone at @Velindre and the Heath for getting me through the last year. Phew!

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@simonrug

4 years

Question to Springboks captain Siya Kolisi: “When you were a young boy, did you ever think, in your wildest dreams, about a day like today?” Kolisi: “No. When I was a kid, all I was thinking about was getting my next meal.” What a story.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

6 years

Out of hospital after having a tumour removed. Just wanted to say a huge thank you to staff at the Heath for their professionalism, dedication & care. The same goes for the wonderful folk at Velindre for their compassion & support this year. God bless the NHS

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

This time last year, I didn’t know if I’d see another Six Nations, let alone another Welsh Grand Slam. So, in many ways, this has been the sweetest of days. Time to raise a glass to life and to a very fine Wales team.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Radiotherapy, two cycles of chemotherapy, cardiac trouble, major surgery, pain, infection, nerve damage, nausea. At times, I wondered if it was all worth it. But it definitely has been, just to hear those words: “Your scans are fine.” Never give in to cancer.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Just had the results of my CT scans back, after a pretty anxious few weeks of waiting. All clear. “No worrying features which is very reassuring.” You can say that again! Looks like you lot are going to have to put up with me for a bit longer!

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Rugby summed up in two pics.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

I think we should all use this as our Twitter profile backdrop today!

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

So, in the last 17 seasons, Wales have won four Grand Slams, six Six Nations titles and five Triple Crowns. That is some return. Having lived through the dark, barren years from 1980 to 2005, it's been a very welcome change of fortunes, I can assure you.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

To me, the message is clear. Stay home if you live in Wales and stay out of Wales if you don’t live here. Devolved powers are coming into their own to help keep our people alive and, as someone in the at-risk category, I applaud that loudly.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

How good are Sam Warburton, Martin Johnson and Jamie Roberts as a trio of pundits? Excellent stuff.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

On the day the Lions squad is announced, one of the great Lions captains is laid to rest. RIP John Dawes.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

I’ve seen a fair bit of criticism of the First Minister and the Welsh Government on here today and there are aspects of their pandemic policy which can be questioned, but overall I think their actions have been sound and they deserve credit for this R number.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

6 years

Chemotherapy is bloody weird. Can’t drink or touch anything cold, can’t breathe in cold air, raging pins & needles in my fingers & toes, nagging nausea. Worst of all, no alcohol until January! Thanks to the superb staff at Velindre for keeping my spirits up.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

The pitch invader from Wales against South Africa has been handed a lifetime ban from matches at the Principality Stadium by the Welsh Rugby Union.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Puts Wales’ performance against South Africa in the semi-final into a new perspective.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

There were plenty of times when I didn’t think I’d be here for this game. So it’s very special to be back in the press box listening to the choir signing “The green, green grass of home.”

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

The biggest sadness about this weekend for me is we didn’t get an opportunity to honour the memory of Mathew J Watkins at the Principality Stadium. Spare a thought for his friends and family today. He was a wonderful man.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

For Taulupe Faletau to put in an 80 minute performance like that after little more than a game and a half in seven months was quite extraordinary.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is playing a blinder. Not sure who the blond bloke is.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Really feel for Josh Navidi.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

A special word tonight for Josh Navidi. For him to play the full 80 and perform like that in his first game since mid-January was quite extraordinary. What a warrior. Dreads of destruction.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Final thought. If this is the end of the road, I just feel very thankful that I’ve been able to do this job for 30 years - the only job I ever wanted to do. I also feel lucky to have worked with so many tremendous people and to have had such a loyal audience.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Player of the Six Nations? Three letters. AWJ.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

9 months

I can’t recall such an overwhelmingly critical response to a disciplinary verdict as this before. Going by the reaction so far, the rugby community seems pretty united in condemning the decision to overturn Owen Farrell’s red card. .

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

This, according to the referee, only merited a yellow card. I give up.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Last night, I sent Ellis Jenkins a quick message wishing him all the best with his injury. Typically, his response was not to dwell on his own situation or feel sorry for himself but rather to ask after my own health. That is one impressive young man.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Well this was unexpected. A jersey and Christmas card signed by the Wales squad. Very touching and much appreciated.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

6 years

Chemo day. See you all in a week or so. Be nice to each other.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Man of the Match Dan Biggar: “A special thanks to JJ Williams for his comments this week.”

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Just had a check-up with the surgeon who saved my life. Ridiculously humble considering the incredible work he does. So here’s to you Mr Morris and God bless the NHS.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

There is an election coming up, but Mark Drakeford continues to make politically unpopular decisions because he believes those decisions will keep people safe. That’s my kind of politician. You can choose your own.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Blown away by all the messages of congratulations from friends, colleagues, players, rugby folk of all varieties & countless people I’ve never even met. That continuing support has really helped me this past year in fighting this horrible disease #BeatCancer

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Love this from TV pundit David Flatman: “The risk with a talent like Louis Rees-Zammit is to over-hype him too early. With that in mind, I just want to say that he should be Lions captain and Prime Minister."

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones put in nine tackles during his 57 minutes on the pitch today. That takes his tournament tally to 79, more than any other player by some distance. He is nine clear of his Kiwi counterpart Kieran Read, who lies second in the list.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Feeling quite emotional after today. Had a wonderful welcome back from my rugby reporter colleagues at the stadium and Wales produced a truly heroic display to beat England. Life is good.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

6 years

Mic drop!

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

It’s fair to say the reaction to South Africa replacing Italy in the Six Nations has been overwhelmingly negative on my timeline. Virtually no-one in favour of the idea. Looks like it is going to be a hard sell to the public.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

This is going to take some topping as my favourite moment of the World Cup.

ITV Rugby

@ITVRugby

5 years

When the game's on the line but also you're a cat 🙀 @WelshRugbyUnion #RWC2019 #AUSvWAL

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Very touched by the number of Wales players who stopped by in the post-match mixed zone to ask after my health today. A special word for George North, Josh Turnbull and Leigh Halfpenny among others. It was much appreciated.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Really depressing pictures and footage from Cardiff Bay tonight. Just the kind of selfish, ignorant behaviour that will slow down the return to any kind of normality. Totally self-defeating.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

It’s scan day today. Time to find out who is winning the fight. What will be will be. Onwards and upwards either way.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Well done Wales.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

This is so tragic. I used to bump into Matthew at Velindre when we were both in for treatment and he was always so positive and encouraging to me. Just one of life’s good guys and a fine player. Rest in peace mate.

WalesOnline Rugby

@WalesRugby

4 years

Former Wales rugby star Matthew J Watkins dies at 41 after seven-year battle with cancer

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Lots of candidates for Wales’ player of the Six Nations - Rees-Zammit, Ken Owens, Wyn Jones, George North, Tipuric, Beard, AWJ, Navidi. But for me it’s Taulupe Faletau. To see him back to his very best after a tough couple of years has been an absolute joy.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Back in Velindre and have just had my bloods taken by a wonderful lady wearing a Santa hat and Christmas bauble earrings who cheered me up no end. The smile is back on my face. God bless all the fantastic staff here at @Velindre .

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

And the penny finally drops...

Colin Browning

@ColinBrowning14

4 years

Absolutely disgusting service at Schiphol airport. 55 minutes we have been stood in the immigration queue. This isn’t the Brexit I voted for.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

It wasn’t to be for Uganda as they lose 31-17 to England in the ninth place play-off, but they have added so much to this Commonwealth Games Sevens with their joyful approach to the tournament. Thanks Uganda! 🇺🇬

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

So, Alun Wyn Jones to be Lions tour captain in South Africa then. A great honour for a great rugby man.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Well, I wasn't expecting that. Just had the call for my Covid vaccination jab. Having it tomorrow afternoon. Things are clearly moving at a pace.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

I get the impression a lot of people would now accept an immediate lockdown in Wales and just forget about Christmas. It’s really not worth the risk of getting together. IMHO.

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@simonrug

5 years

Battered, bruised and bloodied, but unbowed and unbeaten. We should all be proud of this Wales team for the way they are putting their bodies on the line for the cause. One last hurdle....

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Great to see a state with a rich Welsh heritage sealing Trump’s exit. There are places in Pennsylvania with names like Lower Merion, Bala Cynwyd, Narberth, Berwyn and Pencader as a legacy of 17th century Welsh-speaking settlers. Da iawn Pennsylvania.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

I just hope every single Welsh fan now gets behind Gareth Anscombe on Saturday. He’s a talented footballer, with an astute attacking game, who has earned his place through playing a lot of very good rugby over the last 18 months. Good luck to him.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

If Wales were to make the World Cup final, I’d actually prefer to see them face New Zealand rather than England. It would be the perfect end to Warren Gatland’s reign and they are the ultimate challenge in rugby. The build-up would be a bit less bonkers too!

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

So that’s the end of the road for Japan, but no-one will ever forget the part they have played in this World Cup and the joyous rugby they have treated us to. Soyonara Brave Blossoms.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

6 years

Fair play to Rhys Patchell. Had every reason to put his feet up this morning, but instead he was down at @Llandaff_RFC with the CRICC U16s team he coaches. Top effort from a top bloke.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

7 months

So that means this in the quarter-finals realistically: Ireland v New Zealand France v South Africa Oh my.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

This is real class from George North.

Ospreys

@ospreys

5 years

When you get a little more than you bargained for ... 💪🏉 @George_North #OurBloodIsBlack

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Another day, another chance to stick two fingers up at the Big C, so bring it on!

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

9 months

Most important of all, one hopes Taine Basham is recovering well after failing his HIA following the Farrell incident.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

A word too for Nigel Owens. I thought he had a fine game. It was so fast moving and there was so much going on, with some big calls to be made. But I thought he controlled things well and communicated his decisions clearly to the players.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 months

Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Leigh Halfpenny and now George North. It really has been the end of an era for Welsh rugby over the past 12 months.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

A peak of 8.9m viewers watched the Wales-England Six Nations match on the BBC on Saturday, more than any football game on the channel this season.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

Fascinating to learn that the cheapest tickets for the sold out South Africa-Wales first Test in Pretoria are about £8 and the most expensive around £40.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

My Wales Player of the World Cup is Josh Adams. The tournament’s top try scorer and has made more clean breaks (18) than anyone else, with 12 the next best. Consistently beat the first man, with pace, footwork or strength. He can be very proud of his efforts.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

7 years

Gervais Cordin. Remember the name. He is just 18 and last night he did this for Grenoble against Mont de Marsan.

Hugo Galatioto

@Hugo_galatioto

7 years

L'essai de ouf de Gervais Cordin, 18ans, la pépite découverte par Franck Corrihons @FCGrugby #fcg #rugby #proD2

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

@GaryLineker I am a big fan of your comments generally Gary, but you’ve called this one wrong. The Haka is an important part of New Zealand culture and widely respected by opposition teams and supporters. It adds hugely to the sense of occasion too.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

I know the rankings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Wales are No 1 in the world tonight. When Warren Gatland came on board, I think we were No 10. It’s a moment to savour.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Few things have delighted me more in the last couple of years than watching Josh Navidi grab his chance on the international stage. Bided his time and his time came. One of the real good guys of Welsh rugby who just gives everything every game. Immense today.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

For me, Nick Tompkins, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi and Dan Biggar were the stand-out Wales players.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Thoughts on Halaholo? Not bad after just a couple of days in camp!

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Just been for a CT scan at UHW. While waiting my turn, I could hear a woman being really abusive and foul-mouthed to the staff in the treatment room. The patience and professionalism they showed was remarkable. NHS staff are simply the best.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

Back into hospital tomorrow for my six monthly check up. Little bit anxious and keen to get it over and done with, but what will be will be.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

So proud of my daughter, who has got the A level grades she needs to get into Birmingham University. Well done Catrin.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Justin Tipuric has been one of the players of the World Cup so far. It was a complete performance from him today - 17 tackles, great hands in the wide channels, negated Pocock and Hooper at the breakdown and won a stack of lineout ball. Just brilliant.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

What Michael Sheen has done in Cardiff this week has been quite extraordinary. It really needs to be recognised. Fair play.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

6 years

Said a final goodbye to my mum today. She was the kindest, most generous and bravest person you could wish to meet. She always put others first and made the world a better place. Sleep well mum.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

This was one of the toughest interviews I’ve ever had to do and a really hard piece to write. But I feel privileged that Lewis Isaac’s parents asked me to put together this tribute to him. Rest in peace Lewis.

Talented 24-year-old rugby player dies after battling 'inner demons'

Lewis Isaac's parents have paid tribute to their son as they look to raise awareness of mental health issues

www.walesonline.co.uk

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Gareth Anscombe and his wife Milica were among the first people to offer their condolences when my mum passed away and to send their best wishes when I had my health issues last year. Top people and my thoughts are with Gareth now after his World Cup blow.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Chemo put back a week as bloods are a bit haywire. Mixed feelings as always. You want to get it done and dusted, but it makes you feel like crap! Thanks again to the wonderful folk at @Velindre for their care and support. Onwards and upwards now.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Back again. Chemo No 5 of my second cycle. Bring it on.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Tadhg Beirne really has had a magnificent Six Nations. One of the first names in the Lions squad for me.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Oh my. That Alun Wyn Jones interview.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

A year ago, I was in the cardiology ward at the Heath after my heart took exception to my first round of chemotherapy. Now I am in Oxford watching my favourite band, the @weddingpresent , who I thought I would never get to see again. There’s always hope.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

Desperately sad news about Eddie Butler. Contributed so much to the game of rugby and was such a kind and helpful man. RIP Eddie.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

I have acquired a fair few followers from Uganda this weekend. The power of rugby!🇺🇬

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Wayne Pivac: "Alun Wyn will go down as one of the greatest players of all time and rightly so. I suspected he would go well, but he surpassed what I thought he would deliver. He was superb. He’s our leader on and off the field. He does a fantastic job."

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Willis Halaholo is Welsh qualified. He has bought into Cardiff rugby in a big way. He has made himself available to Wales and will be proud to represent Wales. No time for anyone questioning his selection on grounds of nationality.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Mark Hughes on Wales: “It’s not the name on the shirt, it’s the crest on the chest.” Spot on.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

When you think where Wales were in October, this really has been an astonishing turnaround. Wayne Pivac, his coaches and all the players deserve huge credit. It's been fantastic to watch and they can lift the Six Nations trophy with real pride tomorrow.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

That’s one of the greatest tries I have ever seen. Where has it been all my life?

The Rugby Paper

@TheRugbyPaper

4 years

Rugby in 1992. Benetton v Rovigo.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

Ten tries in three Six Nations matches. Three wins, two bonus points and 40 points against England. These are heady days indeed. Thank you Mr Pivac, thank you boys. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Oh my, I’ve just realised, I’m going to have to go back to work now! What is it I do again? Anyone remember my password? #BeatCancer

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

4 years

This is just a shocking situation. We can’t leave our local authority areas in Wales because of lockdown, but people from areas of England with higher infection rates can come here on holiday. Roll on independence.

WalesOnline 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@WalesOnline

4 years

'Inevitable illogicalities' Boris Johnson dismisses Welsh calls to stop coronavirus hotspot holidaymakers coming to Wales

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

5 years

Jerry Guscott has gone for Jonny May as Player of the Six Nations. Jonathan Davies goes for Alun Wyn Jones. I’m with Jiffy!

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@simonrug

3 years

Little personal plea from me. If you buying in drink for Christmas, order it from local independent Welsh breweries or from your neighbourhood pub if that is possible to support them during these challenging times.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

2 years

On the individual front for Wales, I thought Alex Cuthbert, Taulupe Faletau, Tomos Williams and Nick Tompkins were excellent.

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@simonrug

2 years

Amid the gloom, Taine Basham was a shining light today. Wales' top tackler (20) and their top carrier (13). The kid couldn't have given any more.

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Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

3 years

I dread to think what Cardiff would be like tonight in normal times. The fall of Saigon springs to mind.

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