Dan Thomas says the healthy competition in the back row is driving the whole of Cardiff Rugby’s breakaway brigade on to new heights.

Flanker Thomas will be vying for selection along with the likes of James Botham, Alex Mann, Alun Lawrence, Ben Donnell, the re-signed Taulupe Faletau and new recruit Taine Basham.

“We are about seven or eight deep in the back row and all shapes and sizes as well,” said the 31-year-old.

“We work well together. We know we are not going to play every week – unless you are Al Lawrence!

“No, it’s been good. Obviously it’s been challenging as well. You have to play your best rugby, otherwise you miss out the week after.

“The boys are good. We try to help each other out as much as we can, so it’s been good competition, healthy competition.

“You’ve just got to keep doing what you are doing. I have always prided myself on working hard and doing the things that don’t require talent well.

“At the end of the day, rugby is a simple sport. As long as you do your bit right, that’s what matters.”

The Carmarthen-born Thomas arrived at the Arms Park last summer after spending seven years with Bristol and has proved himself to be a valuable acquisition. He made 13 appearances on the openside, bringing real physicality either side of the ball, along with a huge work ethic.

“After being so long at Bristol, it was a change of scenery and it’s been good. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he says.

“I’ve settled in well and the boys have been a good crack.

“I love Cardiff and love the rugby we play. With Jockey (Matt Sherratt) and Jonny (Goodridge) running the attack it’s been good. It suits my style of play and suits the way the club wants to play. It’s very rewarding. The boys love throwing the ball around.

“Obviously we were disappointed not to make the play-offs last season, but it was a step in the right direction and hopefully this year we’ll do one better.

“The boys are more hungry now because they know what it tastes like to have a couple of wins under your belt and get momentum going, which we had through most of the season.

“Winning is addictive. So we want that and to be in the mix for the play-offs at the end of the season because anything can happen then. 

“The hunger is more than ever. You play rugby to win things. You want to win silverware. It will be a good season this year.”

Away from rugby, Thomas’ focus is on the family dairy farm in Croesyceiliog, near Carmarthen, where they have a herd of 130 cattle, of which just over 100 are milking cows.

“I am pretty involved down there. When I get time off during the season, I will head home back to the farm to help out as much as I can,” he says.

“As a pro, it can be rugby, rugby, rugby, so it’s nice to have something to switch off with. It provides a good life balance.

“After I finish playing, that’s what I’m going to do full time. That’s my future. Farming has been a big part of my life since I was born and a farmer is what I’m going to be after rugby. 

“I really enjoy the lifestyle. You get out what you put in on the farm. It’s hard work. I know when I retire from rugby, the real work starts then.

“Rugby is a privilege and I’m going to try and play as long as I can because I love doing it.

“I think I have the balance correct at the moment. I have something to switch off to when I come home.”