Wales utility back extends Cardiff stay

CONTRACT EXTENSION: Wales and Cardiff utility back Ben Thomas has put pen to paper that will see him remain in the blue and black at the Arms Park.

The versatile playmaker has established himself as a key figure at the club, since making his debut in 2019, amassing 87 first team appearances to date and captaining the side on numerous occasions this season.

Thomas’ contract was due to expire next year but he is one of several players to agree a new deal as the club continues to build under Matt Sherratt.

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Ben Thomas is here to stay! pic.twitter.com/XpS2EBuXgF

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) December 18, 2024

He said: “I’m really happy to sign a new contract with Cardiff and have been really pleased with the way things are progressing here.

“We have a good group and I believe we can build to achieve something really special together in the next few years.

“The style of play suits my own game and I believe it is getting the best out of me as an individual and us collectively as a group.

“We also have so much talent at the club, with younger players continually emerging, which is driving us all on and developing our game.

“As a Cardiff boy I also absolutely love playing at the Arms Park and we are all determined to deliver more special nights in front of our home support.”

The Wales playmaker is a product of the club’s pathway, having played his junior rugby for St Peter’s RFC and progressed through Corpus Christi and Cardiff and Vale College.

He starred for the Blue & Blacks at U16 and U18 level, before breaking into the Rags and playing a key role in the 2019 Welsh Cup success.

Five years later, Thomas’ fine form for the Cardiff has seen him rewarded on the international stage where he has now broken into the first team squad and taken his tally to eight caps.

With the ability to play not only as a ball-playing centre, but also flyhalf and fullback, the 26-year-old has proved an invaluable asset and Sherratt is delighted to retain his services.

The Cardiff head coach added: “I have been really happy with the way Ben has progressed over the past couple of years and he is now a really consistent, mature performer for us.

“He fits into the style of play we want perfectly with his ball-playing ability at No.12, while he also has also really developed the physical side of his game.

“We were all thrilled to see him get the opportunity to showcase his talents on the international stage and I think that experience has seen him develop his game even further.

“As someone who has grown up in Cardiff and progressed right through our pathway, he is part of a group of players, who are really important to build around.

“He is also a good person and professional and we are delighted to keep him at the Arms Park long-term.”