KEY POINTS:
CARDIFF - Gareth Thomas has spoken of his pride at being appointed Wales skipper heading into his fourth World Cup.
Thomas captained Wales in their 2005 Grand Slam campaign and then led the Lions in two Tests against New Zealand later that year.
Now he will extend his Welsh record to 96 Test caps against Argentina in a World Cup warm-up next weekend.
"This is a very proud moment. I have had lots of proud moments playing for my country," said Thomas who was made skipper by coach Gareth Jenkins after Stephen Jones was ruled out of the World Cup build-up campaign due to injury.
"This is the biggest thing in the rugby calendar. It's the biggest rugby event of most of our lives.
"It doesn't matter whether you go as captain or not, this is what you live and breath for."
Thomas, who originally lost the captaincy to Jones last season, dismissed any suggestion of rivalry or animosity between them over the issue.
"People need to realise we are going to the World Cup as a group. None of us are here as individuals. We smile together, we bleed together, we play together. That is a rugby player's life," said Thomas.
"Steve is my team-mate but way, way before my team-mate he is one of my best mates. Off the field I support him, off the field he supports me and it is the same when we both go on the field. We will back each other."
Jones is still included in Wales' 30-man squad but is not expected to be fit until their opening game of the tournament against Canada on September 9.
- AFP
