Gareth Thomas vs Eddie Butler | classic Scrum V 2006

In a classic Scrum V from 2006, Wales captain Gareth Thomas comes into the studio to defend the team in the furore that surrounded Mike Ruddock's departure as national coach. Eddie Butler and Thomas exchange lively words, with presenter Gareth Lewis struggling to keep order and Jonathan Davies looking on.

[@pepelepew2724]

Such a shock to hear of Eddie's untimely passing today.

[@Ground53]

I fully agree with everything Johnathan Davies said 😁

[@jamesahilliard]

Jiffy always keeps it real 😂

[@Petyeo1]

"I've given my all for Wales...I've broken my thumb! - Can't believe he said that!

[@WELLBRAN]

🤭🤭🤭

[@victorhokey]

RIP Eddie, still such a shocker can’t believe it one of the greatest commentators gone too soon 😢😭💔

[@paulyflyer8154]

Eddie was in a different class to Thomas. Like Muhammed Ali against a bar room loudmouth chav. We miss you Eddie.

[@Cumberland_swasige]

'I've broken my thumb' 😂. What a narcissistic tool.

[@pauledwards7340]

Eddie Butler calm and collected like a prize fighter .Only one winner and it’s not Alfie big ego Thomas .

[@jonnym7926]

As someone privileged enough to watch many games at the millennium/principality stadium, I have never witnessed rugby played so skillfully and more enjoyable than under Mike Ruddock, he's gone on to prove what a top coach he is, the England and Ireland game at the stadium in 2005 will be forever in my memory, thank you to all players and coaches involved.

[@FruitFlyKilla]

Meh, this never gets said anywhere enough as it should, but Ruddock just continued Steve Hansen's work. The rugby we were playing towards the end of Hansen's tenure was incredible. Ruddock didn't really change anything when he took over.

[@jonnym7926]

@@FruitFlyKilla 10 wins in 29 I didn't enjoy under him. Ruddocks rugby team was 👌

[@Mr___X]

good coach but definitely flawed by all accounts. seems like his own worst enemy at times, lacking confidence/ambition perhaps? there are far, far worse flaws to have and it's a shame wales effectively drove him and his family to ireland. however, if the story told in recent slammed documentary is true about his pre match speech, it does show that he was far from the full package as a coach. wales did play outstanding rugby under ruddock, especially given how weak their forward pack was (particularly the front 5), but a lot of it was to do with rae talents like shane williams and gavin henson, as well as the other great players of that era. it wasn't all ruddock, that much is true.

[@tomlerwill1421]

GT: "I've played for wales for 11 years...." Viewer: "wow, that's impressive" GT: "I've captained the team to a grand slam..." Viewer: "amazing. The sacrifices this man made for his country. Incredible" GT: "I've broken my thumb..." Viewer: *waits excitedly for the gruesome details to complete the anecdote Anecdote: *ends

[@niallmcgregor3979]

Motörhead T-shirt and dodgy leather jacket love it!

[@robertevans4165]

Motorhead, more like Motormouth wanker from Sarn.

[@Greendoor123]

The fashions of 2006...

[@robbennett6368]

To go on live tv obviously unprepared for the grilling he was about to face and rightly so !! Mike ruddock was a breath of fresh air to that team and to be undermined the way he was by a small group of much overrated plays was absolutely shocking !! The Wru were as much to blame

[@garethrees100]

Gareth made a fool of himself here

[@tatoemonkey]

I broke my thumb 😂😂😂

[@CaptainOveur69]

i hurt my leg in the falklands conflict

[@thedalz5308]

Gareth the whole world revolves around me Thomas.

[@neverindoubtjones4789]

Not Gareth Thomas's finest hour. I don't think he's had many off the field. A proper narcissist.

[@peterlockhart8739]

"I've broken my thumb" - no words.

[@daithemuff]

Gareth fell out with Mike Ruddock and threatened the WRU he would go public if they didn’t get rid of him.

[@alphalunamare]

and your source is .. ????

[@petermills3336]

Not Gareth Thomas’s finest hour

[@steve-oh1020]

This was utterly cringeworthy from Gareth 😮.

[@soulie1206]

Hardly Gareth's finest hour this, specially re watching this after many years, not an eloquent Captain or dressed for the part was he, though a fine player.

[@garethdesborough7960]

Gareth Thomas let himself down badly here.

[@martinwilliam7744]

If anyone was shocked that Gareth Thomas was gay when he came out a few years after this interview, they need their gaydar servicing.

[@jondyfed4980]

Truth is Mr ruddock called him out, Gareth stamped his feet and threaten to go to the press.

[@stavrosgeorgios5577]

Thomas is vile

[@robertevans4165]

@@stavrosgeorgios5577 Hello. I have to agree with you there about this twat. I unfortunately met him once and never ever again, he's just an overrated jumped up celebrity and I don't give a shit if he's got HIV. he's brought it on himself.

[@phillipmorris4285]

Having watched the documentary Slammed and in particular Gareth Thomas saying that he asked Mike Ruddock to leave the team talk before the French match, it appears that Gareth Thomas view of himself was way overinflated. I think he was the main problem with the teams performance and Ruddock leaving, he behaved like a spoilt child, wanting to get his own way and thinking that he knew more than the coach. I thought he was a decent bloke, after this documentary, he comes across as an attention seeking diva and is probably the reason why Wales didn’t achieve, he was too divisive.

[@GST51]

attention seeking diva ..? most of them are ..

[@garethdavies2145]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. GT had completely lost the plot at this point, with the Grand Slam and then being made Lions captain after the 1st test in 2005 I think he thought he was untouchable. Made a real fool of himself here. Terrible that he collapsed afterwards and thankfully recovered.

[@joeedwards3471]

2.14 he said we all have rumours yes but in your case Mr Thomas the rumours were true lol

[@danielstone3052]

I broke my thumb lol

[@littlesebastian4389]

Giving himself a prostate exam.

[@gherron777]

Hope he got the George Cross for his bravery.

[@stavrosgeorgios5577]

@@littlesebastian4389 Giving half of Clapham common a prostate exam.

[@CaptainOveur69]

i hurt my leg in the falklands conflict

[@harrybtown1506]

.

[@oliprj8676]

RIP EDDIE BUTLER

[@aliemma6920]

Butler owned Thomas here

[@oliprj8676]

He wound him up

[@benbenester1229]

Cambridge graduate v Gareth Thomas... only one winner there!! 😂😂😂

[@rogerlephoque3704]

This Oxbridge malarkey is much ado about nothing. Now, if you're talking about varsity-at-its-best, let me shout out for Uxbridge Poly, my alma mater of choice, where I took all the glittering prizes, a starred double-whammy no less, in taxidermy.

[@deanmorgan7011]

If you read ruddock book his kicking coach tells the story of player power and Gareth Thomas was at the centre of it, he was the one that wound the players up to try to oust ruddock.

[@robertevans4165]

the more I read about this twat the more I can't stand him. never again will I make a mistake of meeting this creep

[@Mr___X]

it seems more than plausible, doesn't it. gareth thomas was a good player but you can see how it was bittersweet for wales. he had the ego that welsh players seem to lack, and that meant he ended up captain, but that didn't come without its problems.

[@deanmorgan7011]

@@Mr___X yes that is true, and he was a good player and brave to a fault, maybe this wasn't true so it was in a book, I also think getting him on tv to argue with butler who is ever the antagonist was wrong, his playing has never been in question

[@nigelsheppard625]

GT "We've all got sauces, I've got Tomato Sauce, I've got HP Sauce AND I've got Chilli Sauce".

[@bwlboy123]

I was told by a family member of someone in that Welsh squad in December 2005, a full 2 months before Ruddock resigned, that he was a dead man walking. It was absolutely a case of player power from senior players like Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams that were conspiring against Ruddock. I was told there was a lot of ill feeling harboured by the fact Ruddock was given the MBE following the Grand Slam and the senior players felt there was too much focus on him and not enough on them. As Butler alluded to, they were trying to push Ruddock out and wanted Scott Johnson to take control.

[@BasketballJones1977]

I thought Alfie got off lightly there. Butler didn't even press that hard.

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

Tell us the sorce, chilli sauce mate!!!😂😂

[@xpat73]

It's instructive that GT never denied that there had been a players' revolt when questioned. He simply hid behind the "how do you know Eddie, you weren't there." But Eddie Butler is a journalist and probably had his sources. GT sounds thick.

[@tcsl7764]

journalists are scum

[@vantheman1238]

Watched this live at the time. You honestly couldn’t believe it. It was obvious Thomas fucked everything up. Thomas didn’t want Ruddock there and caused the problems.

[@thedalz5308]

The world throws up Gentlemen and egotistical maniacs who feel the world revolves around them, Mr Butler it was a pleasure to listen to you commentating on rugby alongside pit bull Moore, Mr Thomas you are a nobody who deserves nothing, you are not fit to lace Eddie Butlers boots!

[@WaferBrik]

Thomas was the better player, Butler was an average loose forward. Thomas played 100 matches for Wales, Butler played 16.

[@garethdavies2145]

Does anyone have the full programme? Would love to see it again - it was compelling at the time. Still the biggest story in Welsh rugby, couldn't believe it when Ruddock left! In fairness in the Grand Slam year we were actually a better side without Alfie. Kevin Morgan gave us a better option as full back.

[@FruitFlyKilla]

In fairness, Gareth Thomas was never a natural 15.

[@johnnyutah999]

Eddie was bang on here

[@soulie1206]

Gareth Thomas joke, not his finest hour, i also remember Welsh Capt' wore Blazers for TV interviews, did Johnathan Davies leave his backbone in the dressing room, well said and done Eddie,you'll be sorely missed.

[@martincarm5203]

I broke my thumb 🤣😂🤣

[@frankcostello7958]

Sticking it up other men's arse holes

[@neverindoubtjones4789]

I broke my wrist playing rugby. And I snapped my ACL. And I ruptured a tendon in my finger. And I had to have my nose straightened twice. Therefore nobody can ever ask me any questions about anything. Ever.

[@robertevans4165]

I like what you have written to be honest with you. at least you haven't bragged about breaking your bones or nose. I can honestly say that this moron(G. Thomas) is one overrated celebrity. I had the misfortune of meeting him and never ever again.

[@Mr___X]

yeah but you haven't broken your thumb playing for your country SO MAYBE HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF RESPECT, EH?

[@johnnyutah999]

Eddie schools him here

[@oliprj8676]

Winds him up you mean 😂

[@bigginsofblackwood]

Glad to see the back of Gareth Thomas and his big I am attitude

[@stephenguppy3466]

Gareth like to see the back of other men.

[@rylandevans]

@@stephenguppy3466 Twat.

[@mattnewman125]

Lol pwwf at the end..ha ha I better go 😀

[@croesrob]

He asked the coach to leave the team talk. There in lies the rot.

[@RD-wg2nt]

Rumour has it that ‘player power’ was the reason that Wales were dumped out of the RWC against Fiji 2yrs later. An all out attack game plan that backfired, being at ‘odds’ with how Gareth Jenkins, the Welsh coach at the time, liked to organise his teams.

[@HH-ij3qv]

That's why Gatland was the perfect appointment! Apparently the players were only doing contact sessions once a week for the 2007 RWC and refused to do any more. Gatland come in and completely eradicated that culture straight away and i'll always remember his first interview when he said he was going to try and 'break' some of the players mentally and see who was truely up for test level rugby. In hindsight, i'm not surprised whatsoever that he didn't approach Gareth Thomas when he pulled Martyn Williams out of retirement.

[@Mr___X]

I think it's a bit more simple than that. The Welsh was just poor in 2007, players and coaches. England won in 2003 because they were the most professional. A lot of teams caught up by 2007 which is why the rugby was so bad (kick tennis). Gareth Jenkins and Wales were still treating it like the amateur days. So when they came up against Fiji, a team that has an amateur ethos themselves, it produced a great game that Wales lost. The Welsh team has had internal problems for ages, even under Gatland and when they've won tournaments. Lack of natural leadership, big personalities, and splits in the dressing room. Standard catty stuff that comes out years later in the biographies.

[@jjryan9480]

Looking at the size of Rhys ruddock he had plenty on his plate growing up

[@batmanguy1248]

If all this never happened then maybe gatland never signs... Oh fate you beautiful dream! Oh and By the way on the video itsself. Both Thomas and Butler are arrogant and annoying and both aren't liked by many sources what happened was for the best.

[@stavrosgeorgios5577]

His voice is totally normal here.

[@flan350]

I love how Welsh this is

[@ianstewart9487]

It's a "discussion" in every pub every night. It's just missing a few beers and the escalation to "step outside. for calling me a liar". Eddie is saved by the presence of the camera.

[@daviddring2365]

I broke my thumb closing the fridge door!

[@oliprj8676]

This was awkward to watch 😂😂

[@michaelcresswell5838]

Good tee shirt.

[@daithemuff]

Everyone new it, but they weren’t allowed to say.

[@rory6089]

What a bully and an arsehole Gareth Thomas has proven himself to be! I hope his ex takes him for everything he's got! Tried to bully Eddie Butler (RIP) here, disgraceful human being.

[@robertevans4165]

I absolutely agree with you about that and I feel sorry for his ex after what I read about him being controlling and coercive but as a gay bloke myself, it would haunt me if I didn't come clean about being HIV positive and my partner finding out through other people.

[@allthekingshorses7178]

@@robertevans4165 well said and respect to you. Gareth Thomas, great rugby player but a See You Next Tuesday of a human being

[@barryoffeastenders]

Not the brightest spark

[@parcygors]

eastender ? Pot calling the kettle etc .

[@iambeowulf9325]

What sauces have you got Gareth? I bet its Thousand Island.

[@oliprj8676]

Ketchup and HP

[@Amadores99]

@wildebest Underrated comment.

[@vantheman1234]

There was a player power thing going on that was supported and developed by that fat Gerard Depardieu lookalike from Australia.

[@Mr___X]

you only need to see the jobs he's had since (scotland head coach ffs, now back with australia) to see he's a slipper customer who knows how to profit from his boss's demise.

[@helendavies1326]

I've broken my thumb?!!?

[@sanchez12344321]

Is it true that Butler knocked Thomas out in the car park after this?

[@hugostiglitz4777]

I heard he had him in an headlock and pink boots couldn't get free 😂😂

[@mattfiretrainer3412]

100% true, sources say

[@Mr___X]

@@hugostiglitz4777 is that meant to be a euphemism?

[@patsyparisi2620]

God's sake it's daddy's sauce.

[@lancekamau]

I've watched lots of these interviews and I am yet to see Jonathan Davies finish a sentence if he actually get to say something

[@roshansingh8040]

lol I'm so glad someone else has noticed this!

[@littlesebastian4389]

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, I have plenty of times seen him.....uhhhhhhhhh....... *grins like a hobbit who just silent farted at Rivendel.*

[@rufuswilliams5776]

ive won a grand slam I've broken my thumb ummmm where did you stick your thumb

[@fazertace6837]

Alfie actually suffered a stroke/brain haemorrhage after this interview. True story.

[@Carlreesn1]

What a muppet gt sounds here 😂

[@MrJohndory111]

I have sauces LOL

[@oliprj8676]

I reckon it was Ketchup

[@xpat73]

Sources you muppet.

[@andrewparfitt5899]

Alfie is a backstabber. Glad he got dropped by Gatland. Poison

[@hugostiglitz4777]

Hes a stabber from the back alright💩💩

[@andrewparfitt5899]

@WRU286 No he wasnt picked after last playing against Fuji at World Cup. He publicly stated he wouldnt retire from Wales. Wasnt wanted as disrupted environment apparently

[@andrewparfitt5899]

@WRU286 cool!

[@davidJones-ux6bq]

Love the T-Shirt - I may be wrong, but I'm betting he's heard nothing from Motorhead but 'Ace of Spades' !

[@dwaynedibley997]

Who has

[@darthmong7196]

In hindsight, it does seem a bit like a hissy fit.

[@garyturnbull9719]

Gareth Thomas was after an argument and when he got a constructive one from Eddie Butler he was humiliated easily!

[@robertevans4165]

G Thomas is absolutely vile. no wonder his film never got made.

[@havennewbowtow8835]

Came across as a bit of a tool TBF

[@leonwilliams4327]

Why put him on the show..fucking unbelievable 😂😂

[@richardlloyd166]

I watched this live at the time and thought then, as I do now that, Gareth Thomas was 100% genuine. I miss Eddie but Gareth is the star in that piece.

[@kasiaaniaflora]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAWWWWWWWW

[@andrewclear176]

And 75 grand later!!!!

[@richardlloyd166]

@@robertevans4165 what have you ever done for Welsh rugby? Apart from being homophobic

[@Cumberland_swasige]

​@@richardlloyd166how is that homophobic? Gareth Thomas is a narcissist and portrays himself as a victim, when in reality he is out there giving people hiv.

[@RoosterKing777]

2:13

[@damonmoffatt8636]

Kind of lost the argument with the i have broken my thumb line,theres amateur rugby players who dont get paid who break bones playing the game in there spare time that they love.I broke my thumb???So what!

[@joninton6678]

you no this how?

[@damonmoffatt8636]

@@joninton6678 How do i know amateur players break bones jog on you flaming idiot!

[@WaferBrik]

While watching a televised recording of an interview he had given regarding the resignation of Ruddock, he fell ill and was rushed to hospital with a suspected stroke, brought on by a ruptured artery in his neck.

[@damonmoffatt8636]

@@WaferBrik Great wonderful a year on you write this,fuck off.

[@petelosuaniu]

Gareth Thomas acting like an absolute diva

[@nicholaswood3063]

Wow, that was some awful TV to watch.

[@rufuswilliams5776]

did he say the poof word at the end

[@littlesebastian4389]

Would be a bit ironic since he is a giant mincer himself.

[@neilmanning428]

Alfi obviously was causing problems in that time, he may or may not of been in the right but to go on the show an deny certain meetings were taken place and to deny what Eddie was saying was weak. Not his finest hour!!

[@neilmanning428]

You're prob right but to be honest the only people that really know are the ones involved

[@nickakabusi438]

Mad how camp he is, but didn't clock it at the time 🤣

[@mrsunshine6936]

It was an open secret years before he came out officially.

[@nickakabusi438]

Yeh they reckon he'd disappear from team hotel to go to the gay scene wherever wales would be on tour

[@leonwilliams4327]

Camper than a row of pink tents!!

[@sergejisd]

@@leonwilliams4327 Rupaul, is it you ?

[@sergejisd]

That's what they say about you

[@fac2527]

I wonder where he’s been sticking thumb🤔

[@WaferBrik]

Cheap.

[@jamesgrey1227]

The Sarn postman, at his eloquent and articulate best!😆 I actually remember watching this at the time. An absolute cringe fest then from Alfie, and it hasn't improved with time.

[@robertevans4165]

Sarn postman, Sarn Wanker more like

[@matiasparedes9221]

Motörhead !!!!

[@iambeowulf9325]

That's the nickname his boyfriends gave him.

[@judaspriest4957]

What are you Gareth? 4:16

[@garethrees1538]

I see alot of negative towards alfie here id like to say what a great guy took.time.out to come.and visit the football team.i coach stayed the session and trained with them for the full hour a very down to earth guy.

[@Splotched]

That clown Gareth Thomas probably cost us losing one of our greatest ever coaches.

[@Peter.C875]

Why is he a clown?.

[@GST51]

Gareth Thomas is a disgrace !

[@andrewcahill9735]

Got camper as it went on

[@sergejisd]

That's what they say about you

[@andrewcahill9735]

@@sergejisd whose they?

[@sergejisd]

@@andrewcahill9735 your mates

[@garmit61]

I broke my bottle of sauce. Does that make me a hero or gay?

[@utopiandreamer5288]

As long as it wasn't HP. Ha!! Now, that would be sacrilege.

[@voodoochile333]

As long as you didn't have it up your arse

[@stavrosgeorgios5577]

A gay hero

[@peterlockhart8739]

Challenging a journalist to reveal a source - seriously, ought to know that no journalist worth their salt reveals a source.......oh and also hurt his thumb for his country......not a great look.

[@richardlloyd166]

He was one of the best players ever to play for Wales. What have you ever achieved?

[@peterlockhart8739]

@@richardlloyd166 If you could point out where i questioned his skills and ability that would be great.......I'll wait.

[@richardlloyd166]

@@peterlockhart8739 ‘oh and also hurt his thumb for his country … not a great look’ Yes belittling a Welsh rugby captain who’s achieved more than you ever have. That’s my point.

[@andrewcahill9735]

Drama queen

[@wrightyy]

Alfie loves motorhead

[@stephenguppy3466]

Gareth loves head.

[@rorsabest]

GT could have at least practised lying so he didn't look guilty as sin on national television

[@vantheman1234]

rorsabest agreed. Gareth Thomas did create this problem with Gerard Depardieu. Gareth Thomas is an extremely fortunate man in many cases. Great that he’s come out and had acceptance in the world. Good luck to him. However, he’s made a huge amount of money from doing so. However, he should look back in shame at the whole Mike Ruddock debacle. Wales had been ordinary for many years. Suddenly Ruddock comes in and develops and creates a winning formula. Gareth Thomas and his mate Depardieu decided to create friction within the squad and team dynamic because they were jealous of Ruddock’s success. Disgraceful.

[@thenomad525]

@@vantheman1234 Wales were well below ordinary for many years and were being left way behind, even NZ coaches couldn't change Welsh fortunes. A lot of back-stabbing went on after the 2005 success, especially among the senior players. They didn't rate Mike as head coach - he was more a delegator and yes, much jealously, especially after his MBE.

[@cocricklewood4441]

They won the 6N for the first time in donkey years and then became arrogant and full of themselves. If it wasn't for the coach, his vision of how to play? Would of still been the same piss poor runner up a behind Ireland and England France.

[@GWLAD]

im welsh wholeheartdly agree with you

[@Mr___X]

i think a lot of them were already full of themselves tbf. rugby going professional did that. don't forget they had a genuinely impressive go at the 2003 world cup, nearly beating england in the quarter finals. the regions formed and the welsh dominated the celtic league in the early years. and then they won the grand slam. the welsh players knew how good they were, they'd pushed south africa and new zealand right to the wire just before the 2005 six nations. they just lacked leadership and a strong authority figure who was also up to the job/not just training for the all blacks job like hansen was. ruddock couldn't do it, gareth jenkins couldnt do it, but gatland could. it's that simple. wales naturally lacks leaders and the big personalities ended up getting the right coach for the job by being disruptive. in a way, it worked. look at ireland under schmidt: too loyal, too trusting, even when they're playing the most boring rugby in the world, and it ends up backfiring when it counts in the world cup.

[@robrcs2551]

Typical hysterical woman

[@daffyddlewis9103]

Hero and a cheat

[@flan350]

Gareth Thomas is a legend