Thomas disappointed to lose out

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins revealed the need for a day-to-day relationship with his captain was the key factor in his decision to appoint Stephen Jones ahead of Toulouse-based Gareth Thomas.

Jones, the Llanelli Scarlets fly-half, came out top on a five-man shortlist and will lead Wales through to the 2007 World Cup in France.

"There were five strong candidates and the two who stood out were Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones," said Jenkins. "These two men have all the attributes for the national captain. They have the ability to play under pressure and they have the respect of every single player in that Welsh squad. My final decision came down to the type of relationship I needed from my captain."

Ospreys prop Duncan Jones, who led Wales on the summer tour to Argentina, Cardiff flanker Martyn Williams and Dragons number eight Michael Owen were all considered.

But it came down to a straight choice between Jones and Thomas, who still has a year to run on his contract with Toulouse.

And that proved the decisive factor after Jenkins realised he needed his skipper at close quarters.

Jenkins added: "I have to have somebody that I can work with on a daily basis, week in and week out and I made the decision that it would be Stephen Jones.

"Gareth has another year left on his contract in Toulouse and being based over there would have made communications difficult.

"It would have been a far more difficult decision to make if Gareth Thomas had been in Wales, but being in France had a major impact on the decision we had to make."