Thomas signs for Wasps

The 29-year-old joins the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finalists with a wealth of knowledge of the game at the highest level having made 190 appearances in over a decade for Cardiff Blues. Thomas has also been capped 27 times for Wales since making his debut in 2005.

Wasps meet Biarritz in the last eight at Adams on Saturday, 7 April, while Cardiff Blues travel to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to take on Leinster in the Heineken Cup quarter-final on the same day.

London Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: "I obviously know Rhys very well having coached him for many years and he will be a real asset to our squad next season. He is an experienced international and exactly the kind of quality player we want to bring to the Club. Rhys is also a great guy to have around a squad and he will be a great addition to the Club off the pitch as well."

Thomas said: "I am really looking forward to linking up with Dai Young again who has been a big influence to me in my career and I'm excited by the challenge of playing in England with London Wasps. Like most professional players I always keep an eye on how the game is going in England and it's the kind of challenge that I know I will relish."

Thomas is one of a number of senior international players having signed on at Wasps for next season with England's James Haskell and Tom Palmer also joining Young's squad later this year.