FORMER Worcester Warriors star Jonathan Thomas wants to remain in the sport — and could return to the club as a coach.

Thomas retired from rugby union last month after being diagnosed with epilepsy, thought to have been brought on by repeated head traumas during his 14-year professional career.

Thomas was a pundit on BBC Wales’ popular Scrum V Live rugby programme last Friday and has spoken about his retirement on the radio.

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan says Thomas has aspirations to coach and revealed the club would support the 32-year-old in “any capacity” they could.

“I think JT (Jonathan Thomas) needs to go away and enjoy watching the World Cup and come to terms with the end of his career,” said Ryan. “There will be some relief because some of the things have been tough for JT over the last few months and he will enjoy being part of his family.

“He has got aspirations coaching-wise and we will see after the World Cup and after a few months of having a few beers what he wants to do.

“We would have to be realistic about where and how he can do that. But we would support JT in any capacity we think we could.”

Thomas won 67 caps for Wales and was part of two Grand Slam-winning sides.

Last season, with medication controlling seizures that marked the onset of his epilepsy, Thomas helped Worcester secure promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

Thomas’ final match for Warriors was in their heartstopping Championship promotion triumph against Bristol at Sixways in May.

In fact, Thomas was outstanding throughout the twolegged final and supporters saw no signs of the condition which would end to his playing career.

“I did almost the whole preseason until I tore my calf,” Thomas recalled.

“The seizures then started when I was doing flat-out fitness.

This was not running work because of my calf. It was all rowing, bike fitness.

“I didn’t know I was suffering mild seizures. It’s since been explained that they’re petit mal – a mild seizure.

“A grand mal is when people with epilepsy have proper fits and became unconscious.

"I never had one of those, fortunately. It’s like dreaming while you’re conscious.”

Warriors sought the best advice in the country, which led Thomas to a consultant neurologist in London.

During games Thomas’ level of play remained consistent but, afterwards, he felt exhausted.

Thomas added: “I’m fortunate to only suffer from it in a mild way compared to some.”