Ben Thomas: Head coach Warren Gatland labels Cardiff centre ‘best back in Wales’

Head coach Warren Gatland says he is trying to work out where he will fit the “best back in Wales” into his side for November’s autumn internationals.

That is what Gatland has labelled Ben Thomas, with the Cardiff centre having started at fly-half for Wales’ two summer international defeats in Australia in July.

Gatland has recalled Gloucester fly-half Gareth Anscombe, alongside fellow specialist number 10 Sam Costelow, in his 35-man squad.

Wales begin against Fiji on Sunday, 10 November at Principality Stadium, before playing Australia (17 November) and South Africa (23 November) in Cardiff.

“I think Ben’s been the best back in Wales,” said Gatland. “You look at the way he’s been playing and some of his statistics.

“We’ve got options, that’s why we’ve got two specialist 10s in terms of Anscombe and Costelow.

“We’ve tried Ben there and he can cover us, but it’s whether we look at him as an option or in his 12 position, where he’s played exceptionally well.”