THOMAS CLAIMS AWARDS DOUBLE

ELLIS Thomas was a double winner at Llanelli RFC’s annual presentation evening.

The 20-year-old lock picked up the award for players’ player of the year and followed up with the award for young player of the year.

It was fitting reward for the youngster, who delivered a number of consistent performances in a side which spent the majority of the season fighting against relegation.

That battle went to the very last day of the campaign, with Llanelli securing their spot in next season’s slimmed-down Premiership thanks to a 27-16 victory over Pontypool in a play-off.

Full-back Kalum Evans picked up the coaches’ player of the year prize.

And Llanelli’s head analyst Ieuan Probert was named clubman of the year.

There was also the special award of a memorabilia frame made to experienced centre Jonny Lewis, who played his 200th game for the club last season.

Meanwhile, prop Rhys Thomas has made the move from Llanelli to Premiership rivals Aberavon. The Wizards finished sixth in the top flight last season.

The awards evening came following the news that former Wales prop, team manager and head of rugby Anthony Buchanan had returned with the aim of strengthening the club from top to bottom.

He said: “I see my role as one of helping to create a sustainable financial future for the club. We still want to be at the top end of the club game in Wales, alongside traditional rivals such as Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Aberavon, Bridgend and Pontypridd and clubs such as Merthyr, Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins who have come through in recent years.

“But without a solid financial platform that will be difficult.

“It’s up to everyone who cares for the club to pull together and see if we can ensure a bright future.” Jonny Lewis.