Water polo fans need to get themselves down to the Sandford Lido in Cheltenham this weekend because it may be the last time they get to see Michael Thomas play the sport he has graced for so many years.

Cheltenham’s inspirational 34-year-old captain is expected to retire after this weekend’s British Championships when he’ll be hoping to guide the club to their second league and cup double in three years.

“It’s not 100 per cent – nothing’s ever certain – but I think it will be his last game,” said his dad Martyn, who is director of coaching of the water polo section at Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club.

Cheltenham wrapped up their fourth British Men’s Super 5s League title in six years earlier this year and victory in the British Championship this weekend would be a fitting finale for captain Thomas.

The British Championships are water polo’s equivalent of football’s FA Cup and standing in Cheltenham’s way of a place in Sunday’s final are Invicta.

The two teams meet in the semi-final on Saturday at 3.30pm and the winners of that match will play the winners of the other semi-final between Lancaster and Manchester.

Cheltenham were beaten in the final of last year’s British Championship by Manchester and goalkeeper Sam Legge does not want to experience that feeling again.

“We were really gutted and we’re absolutely determined to win it this time,” he said. “We couldn’t be more up for it and playing at home makes it extra special.”

Cheltenham earned their place in the last four with a three-out-of-three winning performance at GL1, defeating Welsh Wanderers 16-6, Bristol 14-8 and a much-weakened Lancaster side 22-2.

The women’s British Championships will also be played to a conclusion at Sandford Lido with the semi-finals again being played on Saturday with the final the following day.

The semi-final line-up sees Otter play Liverpool and Coventry take on Manchester.