Cardiff’s own Ben Thomas is set to reach a major career milestone this Saturday as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for his hometown club. The achievement, he admits, is something he has been quietly thinking about for some time.
Speaking ahead of the match, Thomas made no secret of what reaching a century of appearances means to him.
“To make 100 games for anybody is huge, but to do it for your home club is a massive thing. I obviously grew up in Cardiff. It’s really special.”
“I’m really excited. It’s actually been in my mind for a while now. I missed a few games pre the autumn. Hopefully I can get out there this weekend and it’ll be a massive achievement for me.”
Thomas made his senior debut for the Blue & Blacks in 2019 against Benetton, shortly after progressing from the Cardiff Academy. Two years later, he earned his first Wales cap against Canada in the summer of 2021, an early landmark in what has already been a fast-moving career.
Thomas is one of the many Welsh internationals that will be returning to the squad this weekend, with Saturday’s fixture offering the perfect homecoming.
“I’ve been away now for seven weeks, and to be able to come back to play at the Arms Park for a European game… it seems like the stars are kind of aligning for this one.”
Facing a URC opponent in Europe brings an unusual dynamic and a sense of familiarity, but for Thomas, Cardiff’s history in the EPCR provides a constant source of motivation.
“It’s weird playing a URC team in Europe, but it’s a special competition. You walk around this building and see all the photos of what happened in Bilbao in 2018.”
“Every time you play in Europe, there’s a chance to emulate the previous success we’ve had. So we’re making sure we put our best foot forward.”
Cardiff enter the match with encouraging home form, as the team are still unbeaten at home this season, though Thomas is under no illusion about Ulster’s challenge.
“We’ve had a good run of results here, but on the flip side, we know what Ulster have been doing. They’ve been going well. It’ll be a good challenge this weekend.”
“It’s always a special time of year. European games, the derbies, they’re really meaningful games. To play them around Christmas time at the Arms Park is pretty cool.”
Saturday will be more than another match for Ben, as it will be a moment of pride, gratitude, and connection between a local lad, his club, and the supporters who have watched his rise from the terraces.
There is still time to get tickets for Cardiff Rugby vs Ulster Rugby in the European Challenge Cup this Saturday (December 13th, 8pm KO). Get yours today by clicking below or calling 029 20 302030.