Corey Thomas: The Australian-Born Canadian Rugby Lock
In the physically demanding world of professional rugby union, the role of the Lock—the engine room of the scrum—requires a combination of immense height, strength, and endurance. Corey Thomas embodies these traits, bringing a powerful presence to the pitch as an Australian-born athlete who has carved out a diverse international career representing Canada.
Standing at 1.95 meters and weighing 117 kg, Thomas possesses the ideal physical profile for a second-row forward, specializing in securing possession during lineouts and providing stability in the scrum.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Corey Thomas
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1994
- Nationality: Australian-born, representing Canada internationally
- Position: Lock
- Current Team: LA Giltinis (Major League Rugby)
- Physical Stats: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) height; 117 kg (258 lb) weight
Professional Career Journey
Corey Thomas's professional trajectory is marked by a willingness to compete in various leagues across the globe, from the competitive circuits of Australia to the growing rugby scene in Japan.
Early Career and Australian Roots
Thomas began his senior journey in Australia, gaining early experience with the Perth Spirit in 2014 and Brisbane City in 2015. These formative years allowed him to hone his skills in the highly competitive Australian rugby environment.
Expansion into Japanese Rugby
Seeking further growth, Thomas moved to Japan, where he played for the Canon Eagles between 2016 and 2017. He later joined the Kamaishi Seawaves starting in 2018, where he saw significant action, recording 13 appearances and scoring 30 points.
Super Rugby and Major League Rugby
Thomas reached the elite level of regional competition when he joined the Sunwolves, a team that competed in Super Rugby (the premier professional rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere). More recently, he has transitioned to North American rugby, playing for the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby (MLR).
International Representation
Despite his Australian birth, Thomas represents Canada on the international stage. In 2021, he made his mark with the Canadian national team, appearing in 6 matches and contributing 20 points to the squad's efforts.
| Period | Team | Appearances | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Perth Spirit | 6 | 0 |
| 2015 | Brisbane City | 8 | 0 |
| 2016–2017 | Canon Eagles | 6 | 0 |
| 2018– | Kamaishi Seawaves | 13 | 30 |
| 2020 | Sunwolves | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Canada (International) | 6 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Corey Thomas play?
Corey Thomas plays as a Lock, a position primarily responsible for jumping in lineouts and providing power in the scrum.
Which national team does Corey Thomas represent?
Although born in Australia, Corey Thomas represents Canada in international rugby union.
What is Corey Thomas's current professional team?
He currently plays for the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby (MLR).
How tall is Corey Thomas?
Corey Thomas stands 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches) tall.
Which teams has he played for in Japan?
Thomas has played for both the Canon Eagles and the Kamaishi Seawaves in Japan.