The Toulouse star told BBC Sport: ''The team have supported me 100% as skipper and if someone else gets the job there's no way I wouldn't give the same backing.

''I've heard Stephen Jones' name linked to the job. He's one of my best mates and I'd support him like anyone else.

''The media seem to be trying to make a battle of this but it's not. I'm just concentrating on getting back playing.''

The 32-year-old veteran has been out since February after suffering a mini-stroke, but is ready for the start of the French season next month.

The 88-cap man 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.

Meanwhile, Wales will hope that Thomas - his country's record try-scorer - can prove his ability remains in the build-up to next year's World Cup.

''Last year was difficult for Wales with so many injuries, but we've got so many good players just itching to get back playing,'' Thomas told BBC Radio Wales' Sportstime show.

''There's so much burn-out in rugby, but last year's problems will help us going towards the World Cup.

''Pre-season started a long time ago for me. I've been getting up early to train, then doing my Gareth Thomas rugby academies, before more training in the afternoon.

''I'm completely recovered, but I know that there'll always be a risk when I play.

''People have two arteries in their neck, but one of mine is gone now and if I took a knock on the other one I'd be in serious trouble.

''But it was a one in a million chance to lose one artery.

''I look on it as if I'd been knocked over by a car. After I recovered, would I never cross a road again?

''Rugby is such a big part of my life that I'm willing to take the tiny chance involved. I'm just desperate to pull on a jersey again.''