Thomas, who made 27 appearances for Wales and represented Cardiff, Wasps and Dragons during his playing career, joins the Wales senior men’s coaching team on secondment from Gallagher Premiership side Gloucester Rugby where he will return post-championship.
With Wales, Thomas will have a specific responsibility for forwards skills. He will work closely with forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys and scrum consultant Adam Jones, who is also on secondment for the championship from his club Harlequins.
Commenting on the appointment Sherratt said: “I’m delighted that TR will be joining the coaching team and I’d like to thank Gloucester for allowing him to come on secondment to Wales. Having known TR for a number of years, I think he will be a great fit for the group.
“I’m excited to officially start in the role now and get preparations underway for our match against Ireland on Saturday.”
Thomas added: “Firstly I would like to thank Gloucester and George Skivington for allowing me to take up this opportunity to join Wales for the remaining three Guinness Six Nations games.
“It’s all happened very quickly the past few days but I’m excited for the challenge and looking forward to getting stuck in, working with Matt and the other coaches.”
Wales’ next match in the 2025 Guinness Six Nations is against Ireland on Saturday 22 February at a sold-out Principality Stadium, kick-off 2.15pm and broadcast live on BBC and S4C.
Wales senior men’s coaching team
Head coach – Matt Sherratt
Defence coach – Mike Forshaw
Forwards coach – Jonathan Humphreys
Skills coach – Neil Jenkins
Scrum consultant – Adam Jones
Skills coach – T. Rhys Thomas
