Gareth Thomas has admitted that Wales are ‘desperate’ to put an end to the number of Test defeats

Wales flew from Heathrow airport on Wednesday to Japan, and Thomas, who is one of the more experienced players in Matt Sherratt’s squad, will be aiming to put an end to Wales’ 17 consecutive Test defeats.

They will meet Eddie Jones’ Japan side in both Kitakyushu and Kobe, where they’ll be hoping to pick up a Test win for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“We’re all desperate to get that win now and turn the corner,” added Thomas.

“I think there is a talented group here, and boys who have been in it for a while, and on this losing streak, it does get to you.

“We need it, we are desperate for it. 

“The work we’ve put in the last five weeks, there’s a lot of effort gone into it, and hopefully it shows in Japan that we can turn the corner.”

Loosehead, Thomas also talked about how he has benefited from working alongside both Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins.

Jones, who was Wales’ scrum coach during the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, has returned for his second stint with the national side, but as soon as he lands back from the Far East, he’ll return to the Harlequins.

“We had ‘Bomb’ [Jones] in the Six Nations and he’s been class for us,” Thomas said.

“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 one of the best loose-heads 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 have been preparing for the hot and humid conditions of Japan at their Vale Resort training base inside heat chambers.

“You go to the well, but I love it,” said Thomas.

“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.”