EXPERIENCED forward Jonathan Thomas has aspirations to play for Wales again — but accepts his international career might be over.

Thomas has pledged his future to Worcester Warriors with a new two-year deal despite rumoured interest from Newport Gwent Dragons.

Thomas’ last involvement at international level was in 2011 and he accepts playing outside the principality might not help his chances of a recall.

The 32-year-old has captained Warriors in their last two Greene King IPA Championship matches in the absence of Gerrit-Jan van Velze, who has been in South Africa.

“I was very fortunate to have played for the best part of 10 years for Wales and I think, at my age now, playing out of Wales can go against you,” said Thomas, who has won 67 caps.

“I am happy with the decision I have made to re-sign for Worcester.

“Even though the Welsh team are in a very good place, the Welsh regions are going through more of a transition period.

“There was a lot of dispute and politics last season and as a result the regions have gone through a transition and are bringing through younger players.

“They are probably not as strong as they were a few years ago.

“When I weighed everything up, Worcester are a good club for me to be at at this stage of my career.

“Coming to Worcester was a big thing because I moved my family from Wales.

“My family love living in this area and it’s a good club with good people and fans.

“I really enjoyed playing in the Premiership last season and that might sound strange because we lost the majority of our games but it’s a great league to play in.”

Perhaps, not unsurprisingly, Thomas knows a lot more about British and Irish Cup opponents Pontypridd than most of the players in the Worcester dressing room.

“I think it’s going to be a really interesting challenge for us,” added Thomas.

“Pontypridd have old school values as a club and are a tight-knit bunch with a wonderful set of supporters who will come and follow the team.

“There will be a loud atmosphere from their fans.”