Wales fly-half Stephen Jones is hoping captain Gareth Thomas will be named in the Wales side later today to face Ireland in the Six Nations.
Thomas was being checked over by medical staff this morning before caretaker coach Scott Johnson finalised his team to travel to Lansdowne Road for Sunday's match.
He was rushed to hospital in Bridgend on Sunday evening complaining of a migraine and temporary paralysis on his left side.
"I thought I was going to die. I thought I was having a heart attack," said Thomas, who had earlier appeared on the BBC Wales programme ‘Scrum V’, defending the actions of his players in the lead up to Mike Ruddock’s dramatic resignation.
It is not clear whether Thomas will be fit to face Ireland, but Jones feels it is important that such a talismanic figure makes the starting line-up.
"Gareth’s a superb leader and a great guy and we wish him all the best," said Jones. "He is our last line of defence so we want him out there playing. We hope he makes it but at the moment it’s a case of having to wait and see. Our fingers are crossed that he will be all right."
If Thomas does not play there is a possibility that Gavin Henson could make a dramatic return to the fold. Henson is back training with the squad after coming through his first game for seven weeks on Friday, when he started for the Ospreys against the Borders at full-back.
Though Wales are due to unveil their line-up for Dublin this evening, it could be overshadowed by continuing events off the field. Ruddock was due to meet with the Welsh Rugby Union board this afternoon to clarify the issues behind his resignation a week ago.
But Jones insists the players must put such issues to the backs of their minds.
"Mike’s resignation was a big shock to everyone. It’s been a very difficult time, that’s probably an understatement," added Jones. "But what we realise is that we have got less than a week to prepare for a huge Test match against Ireland. And all our focus now has to be on the rugby side of things.
"We have got to work hard this week and be efficient in training. It’s a big week for us and we have to make sure everything is top drawer so we can put in a good performance on Sunday."
"It’s not going to be easy but the squad are very focused."
