Peter Thomas, former chairman of Cardiff RFC and successful businessman, sadly passed away aged 79 in March 2023, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Peter Thomas dead
Former Cardiff RFC chairman and prominent businessman Peter Thomas died aged 79 in March 2023. Thomas, who played for Cardiff RFC in the 1960s, later returned to the club and played a key role in its transition to become one of Wales Regional Teams 2003
After initially investing in the club in 1994, Thomas served as chairman for an impressive 22 years before stepping down in 2018. Throughout his tenure, he remained fiercely loyal and actively involved in club affairs, leaving a lasting legacy at Cardiff Arms Park, according to a statement. from the club.
Thomas, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, died peacefully at home with his family on Wednesday. As president for life of Cardiff he was highly regarded within the organisation. Having left behind his wife Babs, four children and nine grandchildren, Thomas will be remembered for his significant contribution to the sport.
During his association with Cardiff that spanned more than six decades, Thomas not only played for the club as a whore, but also became a prominent figure in Welsh rugby. As chairman, he played a key role in attracting top talent to the team, including Jonathan Davies, Iestyn Harris and Jonah Lomu.
In a statement, Cardiff Rugby expressed its sadness at the loss of its chairman, noting that a comprehensive obituary and tributes will be published in due course. They also asked for privacy for the Thomas family during this difficult time.
Under Thomas’ leadership off the field, Cardiff reached the inaugural Heineken Champions Cup final in 1996, narrowly losing to Toulouse 21–18. The team also enjoyed success in the European Challenge Cup, winning the title twice in 2010 and 2018. Additionally, they won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2009, with an impressive 50-12 win over Gloucester at Twickenham.
Thomas resigned as Cardiff chairman in November 2018 but continued to contribute as a board member and benefactor, generously writing off debts of more than £11m. During his tenure Welsh rugby encountered numerous disputes and financial challenges at the highest level.
The transition of Welsh rugby from clubs to regional teams took place in 2003, resulting in the formation of Cardiff Blues, later renamed Cardiff Rugby from the 2021–22 season.
Apart from rugby, Thomas came from a family with strong business connections. His father, Thomas Stanley Thomas, founded Thomas Pies in the 1950s, and Peter and his brother Stanley continued the business after their father’s retirement. They achieved great success when they sold the company in 1988 for £75 million.
Following the news of Thomas’ death, several Cardiff players expressed their condolences and paid tribute to him on social media. Captain Josh Turnbull and back row Thomas Young, son of head coach Dai Young, acknowledged Thomas’ significant contribution to Cardiff Rugby and expressed their gratitude for his impact on the team.
What happened to Peter Thomas?
Peter Thomas’ has died aged 79 and his death leaves a void in the world of Cardiff Rugby, as he was widely recognized as one of the most important and influential figures in the club’s history.
His dedication and passion for the sport was evident throughout his career, both as a player and as president. Thomas’ legacy will be remembered for his key role in shaping the club’s success and unwavering commitment to its development.
How did Peter Thomas die?
Peter Thomas died after a battle with lung cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family. The club announced his peaceful departure to his home, surrounded by his family. Thomas had a profound impact on Cardiff Rugby and his contribution was recognized in a heartfelt obituary released by the club.
Describing him as one of the most significant and influential figures in the club’s history, the tribute expressed gratitude to Thomas and the entire Thomas family for their lifelong commitment and passion for Cardiff Rugby. Tributes poured in from a variety of sources, including Cardiff star Josh Turnbull, who expressed his sadness at the loss and expressed his condolences to the family.
Former Cardiff City chairman Peter Thomas has died aged 79
Cardiff Rugby have announced that their chairman and former chairman, Peter Thomas, has died aged 79. Thomas had been battling lung cancer since being diagnosed in 2021 and passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on March 29.
With a long association with Cardiff spanning more than six decades, Thomas played for Cardiff RFC in the 1960s and later became one of the most influential figures in Welsh rugby during his tenure as chairman.
He initially invested in the club in 1994 and served as chairman for 22 years before stepping down in 2018, while remaining a board member and benefactor. Thomas leaves behind a lasting legacy at Cardiff Arms Park and the club have asked for privacy for the Thomas family during this difficult time.
Outside of rugby, Thomas came from a business-minded family, with his father, Thomas Stanley Thomas, founding Thomas Pies in the 1950s.
Together with his brother Stanley, they managed the family business and eventually sold it for £75 million in 1988. Sir Stanley Thomas, Peter’s brother, also has strong rugby connections, having supported Merthyr RFC in the Welsh Premiership in recent years.
Who was Peter Thomas?
Peter Thomas was a prominent figure in Welsh rugby and business. He played for Cardiff RFC in the 1960s as a hooker and later became club chairman. Thomas has had a long association with Cardiff Rugby, spanning more than six decades. He first invested in the club in 1994 and was chairman for 22 years before stepping down in 2018.
Thomas was renowned for his contribution to the development and success of Cardiff Rugby. Outside of rugby, his family business, Thomas Pies, achieved considerable success before it was sold in 1988. Overall, Peter Thomas made a lasting contribution to both the sporting and business communities in Wales.
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Source: HIS Education