Cardiff RFC would like to congratulate Ben Thomas on receiving the prestigious Best Newcomer award at the 14th annual Principality Premiership awards dinner.
Thomas, a former pupil of Corpus Christi School in Cardiff and Cardiff Blues academy product, followed in the footsteps of Alun Wyn Jones, Tom James and Toby Faletau in collecting the award.
The former Wales U20 pivot played 19 games for the Blue and Blacks this season and one for the Cardiff Blues, gaining him his Club Cap, helping them claim their first silverware since 2009 with the National Cup victory and pushing Merthyr all the way to the finish, eventually finishing in second place.
He said, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season. We’ve had a strong run and Steve Law has been massive for us, both in his recruitment and throughout the season. I’ve felt it’s been a really good stepping stone for me coming out of age grade rugby – both with the physicality and technical aspects. Learning from players like Martin Roberts and Morgan Allen has helped hugely.
“I was part of the Regional A side at the start of the season and it was a smooth transition for me after that, especially with Gethin Jenkins and TRT involved in both set-ups. Gethin has instilled a professionalism within the squad and put a new defensive structure in place. When you have someone like Gethin analysing your performances, you try not to miss your tackles!”
The Player of the Year and Coach of the Year accolades went to Craig Locke and Dale McIntosh, captain and head coach of treble title winners Merthyr.