Rhys Thomas suffers Heart Attack

irishbucsfan

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/01/27/scarlets-prop-rhys-thomas-undergoes-emergency-heart-surgery-after-training-collapse-91466-30213664/

Very sad, hope he makes a full recovery.

SCARLETS prop Rhys Thomas has undergone emergency heart surgery after collapsing in training.

The 29 year old former Welsh international was admitted to Morriston Hospital after suffering an illness during training at Parc y Scarlets yesterday afternoon.

Thomas was treated by Scarlets medical staff at the club’s training facilities before being taken by ambulance to hospital where he is understood to have been given a heart bypass.

A statement from the Scarlets said that Thomas had undergone successful surgery and that his situation was “comfortable”.

Chief Executive of the Scarlets Mark Davies said: "All our thoughts and best wishes as Scarlets are with Rhys and his wife Paula and their family and the region will be keeping in close contact with medical teams at Morriston Hospital as to his progress but it is understood that he is comfortable and doing well.

"Out of respect for Rhys and at the request of his family, we would ask that this matter is treated with dignified sensitivity and that the family and his colleagues at Parc y Scarlets are given time and space to concentrate on the most important focus which is supporting Rhys' wellbeing and recovery.

"I am sure the whole rugby community in Wales would join with us in expressing to Rhys - all our very best wishes for a quick and comfortable recovery."

Thomas had previously spoken of his heart condition and how he feared his career had ended after suffering a “mild heart attack” after an EDF Cup tie against Northampton in 2006.

“After the game, I was walking back to my car and I just fell to the ground,” he recalled.

“I collapsed with this pain in my chest. Basically I had a mild heart attack.

“It was diagnosed that I had a split artery in my heart which hadn’t healed up from an impact which they think I must have taken while playing in a previous game. I don’t know where or when.

“The doctors told me I maybe wouldn’t be able to carry on with my career, which was a massive disappointment.

“I was absolutely gutted because I’d just been told I was going to be in the Wales squad for the autumn internationals.

”I had worked so hard to get to that stage of my career and I thought that was going to be the end of it for me.”

Thomas, who won his first cap against Argentina in 2006, recovered to start against South Africa in the 2007 autumn international series and went on to win seven caps for the national team,

His last appearance was also against South Africa in 2008 at Loftus Versfeld.

As news of Thomas’ condition emerged, messages of support were sent from across the rugby world. Former Wales colleague Lee Byrne wrote: “Thoughts go out with Rhys Thomas and his family get well soon stinky boy” on Twitter.

Ex-Wales Number 8 Andy Powell also took to Twitter to write: “All my thoughts go out to Rhys Thomas and his family get well soon mate [sic].”

Lions prop Adam Jones added: “Just heard about Scarlets prop Rhys Thomas going into hospital! Shocking news! Get well soon pal!”

freyners

sad news:( hope he will be ok.

bleg

Sad al-right but with the therapy available today, no longer a death sentence. He can go on to live for another 20-30 years at least.

Sindri

bleg wrote: »

Sad al-right but with the therapy available today, no longer a death sentence. He can go on to live for another 20-30 years.

Jesus. Is that all?

bleg

Sindri wrote: »

Jesus. Is that all?

Edited!

CIARAN_BOYLE

Second heart attack, I think he really should retire and call it a day from professional rugby. Best of luck with all endeavors Rhys and get well soon.

danthefan

Best of luck to him.