Cardiff Rugby president and former chairman Peter Thomas has died aged 79.
The businessman was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and died peacefully at home in the early hours of Wednesday, March 29, with his family by his side.
Thomas' association with Cardiff spanned more than six decades.
He played for Cardiff RFC in the 1960s and returned to help run the club before its 2003 transition to one of Wales' four regions. He first invested in the club in 1994 and was chairman for 22 years before stepping down in 2018, when he wrote off debts of more than £11m but remained a board member and benefactor.
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.
A statement from Cardiff said: "Cardiff Rugby are saddened to announce the passing of Life President, Peter Thomas CBE. The 79-year-old, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, passed away peacefully at home on in the early hours of Wednesday with his family by his side.
"Thomas enjoyed a hugely influential association with his beloved Cardiff, spanning more than six decades, including 22 years as chairman.
"The former hooker, who made 11 first team appearances in the 1960s, remained fiercely loyal and active in club matters until the very end and leaves a lasting legacy at Cardiff Arms Park.
"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 businessman's father Thomas Stanley Thomas, known as Stan, launched Thomas Pies in the 1950s, selling sausage rolls, pies and pasties around the south Wales valleys.
Peter's brother, Sir Stanley Thomas, is also a businessman with strong rugby connections, having backed their hometown club Merthyr RFC in the Welsh Premiership in recent seasons.
By 1976, the family company had moved to its current base in Bedwas, Caerphilly, when it became known as Peter's Pies. When their father retired in 1986, Peter and brother Stanley took over. They made their first fortune when they sold the business for £75m in 1988.
Tributes pour in
Cardiff captain Josh Turnbull said: "Incredibly sad day, proud to have known him grateful to have spent time with him, indebted for everything he has done for Cardiff Rugby. Sending my deepest condolences to the family my thoughts are with you all. RIP Peter Thomas".
Merthyr RFC said: "Mr Thomas, his influence and presence will be hugely missed across Welsh rugby, his legacy at Cardiff long-lasting. Our immediate thoughts at this extremely sad and difficult time, are with wife Babs, four children Holly, Deborah, Steph and Rhod, and his nine grandchildren. Our thoughts are also with club patron Sir Stanley Thomas and his family. Rest in peace."
Thomas' former teammate Jim Mills said: "I’m absolutely heartbroken that Peter Thomas has passed away, we’ve been friends for over 60 years and played together in the Cardiff youth team. Peter did so much for the Cardiff club and hugely respected for all his charity work. My deepest sympathy to Peter's family".
Acting Welsh Rugby Union chief executive and former Wales international Nigel Walker, who played for Cardiff between 1992-1998, said: "He made a huge contribution to Cardiff Rugby and had a significant and long lasting impact on my career both on and off the field. Thank you and God bless you."
Dragons RFC chairman David Buttress said: "It's a very sad day for Cardiff Rugby and Welsh rugby as a whole with Peter’s sad passing. I was fortunate to get to spend time alongside him, particularly when our two clubs would meet at Rodney Parade or the Arms Park, and he always greeted me and my family with such warmth and affection.
“Peter was a true rugby gentleman, his influence and impact at Cardiff Rugby is immeasurable.
“He played for the club in the 1960s, where he counted some of the greats of the Welsh game in Sir Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies as Barry John as compatriots, before becoming a driving force off the field when rugby went professional. Peter will be missed by so many, and I speak on behalf us all at Dragons RFC when I send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Scarlets chairman Simon Muderack said: "RIP Peter and condolences to the family, Cardiff Rugby and friends across the rugby world."
The Ospreys said: "Ospreys joins the Welsh rugby community in paying tribute to Peter Thomas CBE. His contribution to the game will forever be remembered. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the Cardiff Rugby community."
Wales and Cardiff winger Josh Adams said: "Very sad news this morning. We as players are very grateful for all the support and contribution Peter and his family have made across the years at Cardiff. Sending my condolences to all his family at this hard time."
Wales and Cardiff centre Willis Halaholo said: RIP Peter. Thanks for always looking out for me and my family. What made it easier for us (me and Rey) settling in from the other side of the world is having someone of Peter's stature genuinely checking in and making sure we are ok."
Cardiff supporters' trust CF10 Rugby Trust said: "Our thanks to Peter for his unwavering support of our great club. He will be so sadly missed. Our condolences to all his family and friends at this time."
Tom Shanklin, former Wales international and Cardiff centre, said: "Hugely grateful for his commitment to Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff Blues. Loved being in his company, he will be sorely missed. Condolences to family and all that knew him."
Former Cardiff back-rower and Welsh rugby favourite Maama Molitika said: "RIP Peter Thomas. A great man that helped Cardiff Rugby for so many years. I was lucky enough to be part of the Cardiff Blues family when he was the chairman."
Welsh rugby broadcaster Phil Steele said: "Such sad news. Peter was a fantastic rugby man and wonderful advocate, supporter and benefactor of his beloved Cardiff Rugby. He was also very kind to me personally - always happy to chat and offer a few words of encouragement and gratitude. He will be much missed. RIP".
