The latest signing announcement from the LA Giltinis for the 2021 Major League Rugby season is another Australian who arrives by way of Japan. Corey Thomas is a 6’4″ (1.94m) lock or loose forward who qualifies for Canada through his Edmonton-born father.
Thomas, 26, started one Super Rugby match for the Sunwolves in February against the Queensland Reds. He has spent the last three years in Japan playing for Top League clubs Canon Eagles and more recently Kamaishi Seawaves.
Prior to his Japan move Thomas played in Australia’s domestic National Rugby Championship for the Perth Spirit and Brisbane City. Though he has not represented Canada at any level before, he should quickly come to the attention of the national selectors with RWC 2023 qualifiers looming next year.