Peter Thomas Dead, What Happened to Peter Thomas? How Did Peter Thomas Die?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 04, 2023
Peter Thomas Dead
Former Cardiff RFC chairman and prominent businessman Peter Thomas passed away at the age of 79 on 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 becoming one of Wales' regional teams in 2003.
Having initially invested 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 matters, leaving a lasting legacy at Cardiff Arms Park, according to a statement released by the club.
Thomas, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, peacefully passed away at home with his family by his side on Wednesday. As the life president of Cardiff, he was highly regarded within the organization. Survived by his wife Babs, four children, and nine grandchildren, Thomas will be remembered for his significant contributions to the sport.
During his association with Cardiff spanning more than six decades, Thomas not only played for the club as a hooker but also became a prominent figure in Welsh rugby. As chairman, he played a pivotal role in attracting top talent to the team, including the likes of Jonathan Davies, Iestyn Harris, and Jonah Lomu.
Cardiff Rugby expressed their sadness over the loss of their life president in a statement, noting that a comprehensive obituary and tributes would be released in due course. They also requested 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 by a score of 21-18. The team also achieved success in Europe's Challenge Cup, clinching the title twice in 2010 and 2018. Additionally, they emerged victorious in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2009, with a resounding 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 exceeding £11 million. Throughout his tenure, Welsh rugby encountered numerous disputes and financial challenges at the highest level.
The transition of Welsh rugby from clubs to regional teams occurred in 2003, resulting in the formation of Cardiff Blues, later rebranded as Cardiff Rugby from the 2021-22 season.
Beyond rugby, Thomas hailed from a family with strong business connections. His father, Thomas Stanley Thomas, established Thomas Pies in the 1950s, and Peter and his brother Stanley continued the enterprise after their father's retirement. They achieved great success when they sold the business for £75 million in 1988.
Following the news of Thomas' passing, 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 contributions to Cardiff Rugby and expressed their gratitude for his impact on the team.
What Happened to Peter Thomas?
Peter Thomas' died at the age of 79 and his passing 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 commitment and passion for the sport were evident throughout his career, both as a player and as chairman. Thomas' legacy will be remembered for his instrumental role in shaping the club's success and his unwavering dedication to its development.
How Did Peter Thomas Die?
Peter Thomas died after battling lung cancer. He was diagnosed with the illness in 2021 and passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. The club announced his peaceful passing at 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 dedication and passion for Cardiff Rugby. Tributes poured in from various sources, including Cardiff star Josh Turnbull, who expressed his sadness over the loss and extended his condolences to the family.
Former Cardiff Chairman Peter Thomas Dies Aged 79
Cardiff Rugby has announced the passing of their president and former chairman, Peter Thomas, at the age of 79. Thomas had been battling lung cancer since his diagnosis in 2021 and peacefully passed away at his home with his family by his side on March 29.
With a longstanding association with Cardiff, spanning over six decades, Thomas played for Cardiff RFC in the 1960s and later became one of the 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 still remaining a board member and benefactor. Thomas leaves behind a lasting legacy at Cardiff Arms Park, and the club has requested privacy for the Thomas family during this difficult time.
Outside of rugby, Thomas came from a business-oriented family, with his father, Thomas Stanley Thomas, establishing 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 the chairman of the club. Thomas had a long association with Cardiff Rugby, spanning over six decades. He first invested in the club in 1994 and served as chairman for 22 years before stepping down in 2018.
Thomas was known for his contributions to the development and success of Cardiff Rugby. Outside of rugby, his family business, Thomas Pies, achieved significant success before being sold in 1988. Overall, Peter Thomas made lasting contributions to both the sporting and business communities in Wales.
Peter Thomas Dead-FAQs
Peter Thomas battled lung cancer since being diagnosed in 2021. He peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his family.
Peter Thomas was a former Cardiff Rugby player and chairman. He made significant contributions to the club, both as a player in the 1960s and later as chairman for 22 years. He played a pivotal role in the transition of Cardiff RFC to one of Wales' regional teams and brought in notable players to the club.
Peter Thomas had a longstanding association with Cardiff Rugby spanning over six decades. He remained actively involved in club matters until the very end, leaving a lasting legacy at Cardiff Arms Park.
Peter Thomas came from a family with strong rugby connections. His father, Thomas Stanley Thomas, founded Thomas Pies in the 1950s. Peter and his brother, Sir Stanley Thomas, successfully managed the family business, which was eventually sold in 1988.
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 the chairman of the club.