Who was Peter Thomas? Former Cardiff Rugby chairman and benefactor dead aged 79

Businessman and former Cardiff chairman, Peter Thomas has been reported dead on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. He died at the age of 79. He died peacefully at his home.

He was a player for Cardiff RFC in the 1960s and also helped the club before it transitioned to one of Wales’ regions. He became an investor in the club in 1994 and was appointed the chairman in 1996 until he resigned in 2018.

Cardiff announced his death to the general public and paid tribute handsomely.

“Cardiff Rugby are saddened to announce the passing of life president, Peter Thomas CBE. Thomas is survived by his wife Babs, four children Holly, Deborah, Steph, and Rhod, and nine grandchildren. A full obituary and tributes will be issued in due course and Cardiff Rugby ask that both the public and media respect the privacy of the Thomas family at this difficult time,” the statement read.

Thomas was with the association for more than six decades, and as a former hooker, he played 11 times for the club before becoming one of the powerbrokers in the game in Wales during his spell as chairman.

In November 2018, he stepped down as a Chairman of the club, writing off debts of more than 11 million GBP, however, he still remained a board member and benefactor.