Ben Thomas says he is honoured to reach a half century of appearance for his hometown club.
The utility back partners Rey Lee-Lo in midfield for Saturday’s crucial Welsh derby against Scarlets at the Arms Park, becoming the latest homegrown product to earn his 50th cap for the club.
The twice-capped international made his debut against Newcastle in the Anglo Welsh Cup in 2017, before going on to make a first league appearance against Benetton Rugby in 2019.
But to be able to run out in front of home supporters for his 50th appearance is a dream come true for the former Cardiff and Vale College pupil.
“It’s a real special occasion for me and I’m lucky that it’s at home, because my family can come down and watch,” said Thomas, whose two caps for Wales came against Canada and New Zealand in 2021.
“I think my mum is going to miss it unfortunately but the rest of the family will be here to watch so hopefully it’s a really special day.
“When I made that first appearance against Newcastle away, it was a big eye opener into what professional rugby is about. We were on the wrong end of the scoreline there, but I think I’ve learned a lot coming through those games.
“50 games later, I’ve developed an appreciation for what it takes to play at this level through the week. It’s all come pretty quickly to be honest.
“Playing for Cardiff is everything to me. To be able to play in the middle of town, in my home city, is amazing.
“When you come into town, you can feel the buzz around the city ahead of kick off.
“So to be able to play in games that I would have watched when I was younger is a really special feeling and something I love doing every week.
“It’s not just a big day for me, but it’s a big day for us as a team. We’ve got to right some wrongs from last week.
“To be able to do that in a derby at home, on what’s a special occasion for myself, is going to be a huge day and one I’m looking forward to.
“It’s a feeling like no other to be playing out here. We’ve got some of the most passionate fans in the league.
“Even if it’s not a sell out, when we start getting 8,000 or 10,000 people in the ground, it feels like a full house in there and it’s amazing.
“They get behind us in the big moments and give us that last push we need in the final 20 minutes of games. We can’t underestimate how important they are for us.”
Reflecting on his highlights in the Blue and Black jersey, Thomas added: “Probably the most memorable game was my league debut out in Benetton, when we had a last minute win, with Rey making a half break and Jason finishing it off.
“That was definitely one of the more memorable games, but I think any home game with a big crowd is massive.
“You look back to the Christmas derbies we had before Covid, like the Boxing Day derby.
“They’re all outstanding games to be part of and I’m sure they’ll be in my memories for a long time.”
Thomas was the first success story of CAVC’s rugby academy, which has since gone on to establish itself in the Welsh Schools and Colleges League, winning back-to-back titles and producing a number of age grade and academy players for Cardiff.
Thomas, who has also enjoyed a coaching role with CAVC since departing, hopes he can be viewed as a role model for those with similar aspirations, but looks closer to home as the biggest influence on his career to date.
The utility back explained: “It’s nice to be a role model for young boys coming through, whether that’s Cardiff & Vale College or the Cardiff Schools programme.
“For them to see someone who’s gone down the path that they’re aiming to down is a really important thing for them.
“They can almost see and feel the path they want to follow.
“My mum was huge for me, from when I was 10 up until I could drive really, but continues to be today as well.
“She was up early in the mornings, whethe it was taking to the Vale or bringing me down to the Arms Park for training with the age grade teams.
“She was massive for me and enabled me to do this. So it will be nice to get the milestone for her.”
Tickets for Cardiff versus Scarlets are limited at Cardiff Arms Park but can be purchased by clicking here.