Thursday 4th March 10

Crusaders RL are poised to confirm the capture of former Wales and British Lions full-back Gareth Thomas.

The Wrexham-based Engage Super League club have called a press conference at their Racecourse Ground at 1pm tomorrow to make what they call “a major announcement regarding the club”.

That is expected to be the unveiling of the 35-year-old Cardiff Blues player, who is the most capped Welshman of all time.

Thomas is thought to have agreed an 18-month contract to become the biggest convert from rugby union since the 15-man code went professional in 1995.

He is contracted with Cardiff until May but could be unveiled to Crusaders fans at their next home game against Catalans Dragons on March 19.

Although an iconic figure with a prolific try-scoring record, the major concern for Crusaders coach Brian Noble could be Thomas’ age and lack of league experience.

An outstanding servant to the 15-man code over the past two decades, Thomas, who is 36 in July, has never played league and might be deemed too old to start now.

But Noble is keen to land a high-profile signing to build on the momentum created by a sell-out crowd for their opening match against Leeds Rhinos and back-to-back victories over Salford City Reds and Hull FC.

He is also known to be a fan of Thomas and last month told the Liverpool Daily Post: “Do I think Gareth Thomas could play rugby league? Yes I do.

“Am I fan of Gareth Thomas? Yes. I’m also a fan of several other Welsh rugby union players. There have been discussions with quite a few players.

“But you have got to make it fit for all parties and you have got to make sure you don’t do something for a gimmick. We are in a situation where everybody has to contribute to the team.

“We need to bring the right people in but I’m a huge believer in the fact that there are certain people out there who can play both codes.”

Having made his debut for Wales against Japan in 1995, the former Bridgend, Cardiff and Toulouse three-quarter scored a Welsh record-equalling four tries in the match against Italy in Treviso in 1999.

He held the Wales record for the most international tries with 40 until Shane Williams surpassed that total in the 2008 Six Nations Championship and still holds the record for most Wales appearances with 100.

Thomas was selected for the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand and following injury to Brian O’Driscoll in the opening minutes of the first Test against the All Blacks, he was made captain for the second and third Tests of the series, becoming the ninth Welsh skipper in Lions history.