Cardiff's Dan Thomas leads URC tackle charts ahead of Stormers quarter-final

Dan Thomas heads into Cardiff Rugby’s first-ever URC quarter-final as the league’s leading tackler, having made 248 tackles and recorded the second-most turnovers (17) in the competition this season. The flanker’s performances earned him the club’s Players’ Player of the Season award, voted for by his team-mates, as Cardiff prepare to face the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

Thomas joined Cardiff from Bristol Bears in the summer of 2024 after seven years at Ashton Gate, and the move has exceeded his expectations. “Having been long term at Bristol, I didn’t really know what to expect coming to Cardiff, but I’ve loved every minute of it,” the 32-year-old said. “It has been really revitalising. It’s a great crack with the boys and I love the rugby we play. It suits my style and it’s very rewarding.”

The west Wales-raised openside acknowledged that stiff internal competition in Cardiff’s back row has sharpened his game rather than threatened his place. “I knew coming to Cardiff, with the back rowers that were here already, it was going to be huge competition, but I feel that has helped me,” he said. “I didn’t come here to cruise. I came here to push myself, to play rugby and have a smile on my face. It’s not every week the back row is the same, so everyone has been kept on edge.”

On receiving the award, Thomas was characteristically understated. “It’s a huge honour to get voted by the boys. 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 I do my bit right, that’s all that matters.”

With Cardiff reaching the play-offs for the first time in the club’s URC history, Thomas is focused on what lies ahead rather than what has already been achieved. “I am very thankful with how the season’s gone so far, but obviously the job is not done yet,” he said. “It’s exciting and all eyes are on this weekend now.”

The quarter-final against the Stormers in Cape Town represents a significant test, but Thomas pointed to the squad’s experience of travelling across Europe and the southern hemisphere as preparation for the occasion. Cardiff will need their leading tackler at his best if they are to progress.