Thomas' recovery has impressed his Toulouse coaches

The utility back, 32, has been out since February after suffering a career threatening mini-stroke.

But he got a hat-trick for Toulouse's second team last week and played 50 minutes of the first XV's 23-0 league win over SC Albi on Saturday.

"It's great to be back playing rugby, I just hope people leave me alone to concentrate on that," said Thomas.

"I was happy with 50 minutes, I knew I wouldn't be playing the whole game, although sadly I took a knock to the head and had to come off.

"I've only been out for six months, people are missing for longer than that with knee injuries.

"Now I don't want to do interviews or be in the papers, I just want to play."

Gareth has regained his physical strength and has returned with his moral high Toulouse coach Guy Noves

Thomas, who has 88 caps to his name, led Wales to the Grand Slam in 2005 and went on to captain the Lions in New Zealand after Brian O'Driscoll's first-Test injury.

He took a blow to the neck in a French club game in January this year, but recovered in time to take Wales into their Six Nations defence.

Having scored two tries in the win over Scotland on 12 February, Thomas appeared on BBC Wales' Scrum V TV programme to defend his squad from accusations following Mike Ruddock's departure as national coach.

But he was taken to hospital afterwards when an artery in his neck collapsed, prompting fears that he would never play again.

"Gareth has regained his physical strength and has returned with his morale high," said Toulouse coach Guy Noves.

Fitness coach Zeba Traore added: "Gareth has stuck to the recovery programme we set up together, he hasn't taken any short cuts."

Thomas - who has one year left on his Toulouse deal - admitted contemplating a return to Welsh regional rugby during the summer, with Cardiff Blues especially keen to secure his services.