Here's a closer look at the Dragons nominee for today's tighthead poll in the Wales All Star Ultimate XV … Rhys Thomas...
South African-born prop Rhys Thomas has always been a larger than life character – and has a remarkable story.
Thomas was a cult hero at Dragons between 2003 and 2009 as he piled up 126 appearances.
He also impressed on the international stage, making his Wales debut in 2006 against Argentina and he would go on to win a total of seven caps.
But that is only half the story.
Thomas had a mild heart attack caused by a knock in a match between the Dragons and Northampton in November 2007 and six months later was given the all-clear by doctors to play again.
But just over four years later he suffered a massive heart attack while pedalling an exercise bike during training at the Scarlets.
Only the prompt care of medical staff at Parc y Scarlets and specialists at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital, who performed a quadruple heart bypass, saved his life.
Since retiring Rhys has carried on with his life as he did on the field – at full tilt – and has done many fundraising events to raise money towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital purchasing more of the revolutionary 'Heart in a Box' machines.
A truly inspirational man on and off the field – and deservedly your Ultimate XV starting tighthead prop.
Vote for Rhys Thomas in the poll below
Create your own survey at doopoll.co
He also impressed on the international stage, making his Wales debut in 2006 against Argentina...
