Josh Adams insists the Cardiff Rugby squad are determined to give Peter Thomas a fitting tribute during Saturday's Challenge Cup clash with Sale Sharks.
The Round of 16 encounter will be the first time Cardiff have played since the passing of their Life President, and long serving chairman and benefactor.
Adams returns to the Blue and Blacks’ line-up for the knockout clash, looking to extend his run of nine tries in his last eight club outings.
The British and Irish Lion insists that paying tribute to Thomas with their on-field performance has been a huge motivating factor for the squad this week.
“He is a massive loss to the club, for what he’s contributed over the number of years he’s been involved with Cardiff,” said the Welsh international wing.
“There’s no doubt that, without Peter and his generosity and contributions, we wouldn’t have Cardiff Rugby today. That’s something we, as a squad, can clearly see and hugely appreciate.
“To donate and give so much to Cardiff out of his own pocket over the years is really generous. It’s not something he had to do, but it goes to show how much he cared for the club and everyone involved with Cardiff and how much he wanted the club to succeed.
“It’s been a bit of a strange and emotional week, losing such a significant figure at the club. Fingers crossed that the performance on Saturday night will be a fitting tribute to Peter.
“It’s the biggest motivation for us this week. Going out to perform on the weekend is what he would've wanted us to do.
“Saturday will all be about remembering Peter and what a great servant he’s been for the club to keep us going. Saturday will all be for him.
“I was able to relate to all the tributes paid to him during the week. I met Peter for the first time when I signed for the club and the first thing he asked about was my family. It was nothing about rugby, it was family and I know that was a massive part of his life. He was clearly a huge family man.
“Since I’ve arrived here, I’ve now got a daughter of my own and when I’d see Peter after games he’d always ask about her and my wife. My parents and in-laws also met him. He's always been very kind to us.
“It’s really sad but we want to put a performance in for him on Saturday.
“When we found out during the week that he’d been watching our match against Zebre last Friday, it was very touching. For him to be watching his last Cardiff game and the boys getting a bonus point win would’ve been a great last game to watch.
“The boys did an exceptional job and, without knowing it was his last game, I’m sure he would’ve been extremely happy to see the boys getting that win.”
Cardiff take on Sale Sharks in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday, April 1 (8pm) with tickets available now. Call 029 20 302030 during normal office hours or click here to buy yours today.