Corey Thomas

The versatile forward enjoyed a dream 2021. Thomas was a starter in the pack for the Championship-winning high with the Giltinis and earned his first Test cap for Canada against England in July.

His strong ball-carries, lineout skill and versatility, at lock or in the backrow, will make him a strong factor in 2022.

Born and bred in Western Australia, Corey Thomas made his way through the rugby ranks in Perth, ultimately playing in the National Rugby Championship for the Perth Spirit in the inaugural 2014 season. In 2015 Thomas moved east to base himself at the GPS Club in Brisbane and received a call-up to the Brisbane City squad.

Thomas progressed into the professional ranks in Japan, playing with the Canon Eagles alongside internationals Adam Thomson and Willie le Roux. He moved to the Kamaishi SeaWaves in the 2018-19 season and had his first Super Rugby season a year later. The backrower debuted for Japan’s Sunwolves before the coronavirus pandemic halted the 2020 season.

He is a Canadian passport-holder since October 2020, thanks to his father Philip being born in Edmonton.