Captained by Newport's Charlie Newman, Wales engineered a draw through unsporting tactics, mainly by killing the ball whenever possible by lying on it.

Wales lost both matches, but in the second game at the Cardiff Arms Park against Scotland, Thomas was part of the first Welsh team to trial the four three-quarter system.

Thomas played twice in the 1887 Championship, in the losses to England and Scotland, but missed the win over Ireland when he was replaced by William Towers.

The Welsh were unable to take advantage of their England win, when they drew, with a goal apiece, at Lansdowne Road.

Thomas was now playing for Llanelli, and his final match was to lead his country out in a win over Ireland at Stradey Park.