Peter Thomas called an 'unrivalled legend' as Cardiff…

Peter Thomas called an 'unrivalled legend' as Cardiff Rugby pay beautiful tribute to man who helped transform them

Cardiff Rugby president and benefactor Peter Thomas has been described as an “unrivalled Arms Park legend” following his death on Wednesday morning. The 79-year-old former player and businessman was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and died peacefully at home in the early hours of March 29.

During his playing days he made 11 first team appearances for the Blue and Blacks and toured South Africa in 1967. But it was off the field where he made a significant contribution to the future of the club.

A lifelong supporter, he became a Cardiff Rugby patron in 1990 and served as chairman from 1996, when the game went professional - a role he continued until 2018. After stepping down he remained a major shareholder and was given the honorary position of life president.

In an obituary shared by Cardiff Rugby on Wednesday morning the club said he “leaves an immeasurable legacy at his beloved club which would not exist if not for his vast and unwavering generosity and support”.

During his tenure as chairman the Arms Park side enjoyed many Welsh Cup successes and claimed a league title as well as the EDF Energy Cup and two European Challenge Cup trophies.

Outside of the sport Thomas first made his fortune in the food industry with Peter’s Savoury Snacks, which he set up with his brother Sir Stanley Thomas and his sister Mary. Peter’s Pies grew to a £70 million turnover operation and was sold in 1988 for £75 million - growing to £105million.

In 1992 the brothers launched Thomas Bailey Investments (TBI) alongside Cardiff Rugby benefactor and life patron Paul Bailey. Through TBI they managed more than 80 airports and owned Cardiff International Airport, Belfast International, Orlando Sandford International, Stockholm Skavsta, and Luton Airport. Thomas also launched Atlantic Property Developments, which has grown to become one of the leading property development companies in Wales.

In 2012 he was appointed CBE for services to business, sport and charitable work in Wales. Through the Atlantic Foundation he supported organisations via grants, while he has also been heavily involved in the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation. A keen follower of arts in Wales, Thomas regularly supported the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Only Boys Aloud.

But his main love was Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff Arms Park, where he remained a regular until the final days of his life.

On its website the club wrote: “He has been one of the most important figures in the history of Welsh rugby and will be remembered as a true gentleman, who was both humble and enormously generous with his time, knowledge and wealth. From his playing days to his unwavering and steadfast leadership, business acumen and financial support as a director and benefactor, Thomas will be remembered as one of the most important and influential figures in the unrivalled history of Cardiff Rugby."

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