Gloucester lock Thomas did not expect Wales call-up

Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas says he was not expecting an international call-up so soon after declaring his Wales ambitions.

Thomas played for England Under-18s and Under-20s but qualifies for Wales through his grandparents.

The 22-year-old had started the season strongly at Kingsholm but was not anticipating his inclusion in Warren Gatland's 35-man squad for autumn internationals against Fiji, Australia and South Africa next month.

"I had no inkling," said Thomas.

"It was something I was aiming for in the next couple of years but my sole focus is to play well for Gloucester and I have been enjoying my rugby

"It is surreal, this has all happened so quickly, it is just kind of a whirlwind."

Thomas was overwhelmed when he shared the news with his family on Monday evening.

"Everyone was in tears," said Thomas.

"Mum called me straight away and was on the phone just blubbing for about three minutes.

"It was unbelievable just to speak to my Dad and call my grandparents and hear how proud they were.

"I can never overlook what my family have done for me. Driving me to training and all the away games, none of this would have been possible without their support."

Thomas' Welsh rugby links lie with his father Stephen whose dad was from Dolgellau and mother from Swansea.

"My dad's side, that's where the Welsh is," said Thomas.

"My Dad and his parents have driven it. I can remember since I was very young going to the Principality Stadium and watching Wales.

"When I told them at beginning of this year I wanted to pursue my career on the Welsh side, they were over the moon."

Thomas started his rugby career with Worcestershire club Bredon Star RFC under-fives where his dad was coach before attending Dean Close school in Cheltenham.

This led to England age grade honours but Thomas, who classes former Wales captain Sam Warburton as his hero, says it was Wales senior honours he was chasing.

"Being at school in England I thought it'd be easiest just to keep going with them while I was here, but I always knew in the back of my mind there would be a big decision at some point," said Thomas.

"The choice would be probably to go to Wales after under-20s if that opportunity arose.

"At the end of last year I wanted to make it clear which way I wanted to go and that was Wales."

Thomas has been influenced by a strong Welsh contingent at Kingsholm with former Wales hooker Rhys Thomas proving a mentor in his role as Gloucester forwards transition coach.

Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Josh Hathaway and Max Llewellyn have also been included as part of a five-strong Gloucester contingent due to link up with the Wales squad this week.

"The Welsh influence has been good and hopefully will make it easier for me next week when we go into camp," said Thomas.

"Tomos and Gareth have been amazing for us on and off the field providing the experience we need. Max and Josh are more my age so I also get along with them really well."

Thomas is also grateful to have been given an opportunity by Gloucester head coach and former lock George Skivington.

"He gave me a good chance to play and backed me, he has put his faith in the young guys," said Thomas.

"He's been amazing with me around the set-piece. He's so diligent around the maul and line-outs, all that kind of stuff which were his bread and butter as as a player."

Thomas, who describes himself as a lock who can play in the back row, has been preferred in the squad to the likes of Cardiff's Teddy Williams.

He is set to battle it out with Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza and Ben Carter for the two second-row positions in the three November internationals.

Thomas says he has never met Gatland and Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys and is looking forward to the unknown.

"All I hear about the Welsh squad is positive," said Thomas.

"I don't know what to expect and there are a lot of boys I have not met.

"I'm kind of going in there almost expecting nothing and then see what happens. I am sure it will be tough and I am trying to get the most out of the four weeks."