He’s one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Welsh rugby and he’s about to take a significant step in his career path.
Ben Thomas was named the Best Newcomer in the Premiership at the end of last season, following in the footsteps of the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau and Tom James.
And the Wales U20s international has continued to impress so far this term, picking up the Man of the Match award after Cardiff’s 78-12 demolition of Ebbw Vale in the WRU Specsavers Cup on Friday night.
Now that form is set to be rewarded with a regional debut for Cardiff Blues in their opening Chalenge Cup fixture away to Italian side Calvisano next Saturday.
Blues head coach John Mulvihill says the 20-year-old playmaker deserves his chance.
“Ben is playing really well for Cardiff RFC and will come into the reckoning for selection for Calvisano,” said the Aussie.
“He will get some minutes out there. He will make his debut for the senior team which we are excited about.
“He will get his opportunity and he deserves it.
“We are here to make sure we bring these kids through.
“We want to continually reward young people when they play well.”
A former pupil of Corpus Christi School in Cardiff, Thomas is a gliding runner with silky skills and a great passing game.
He is currently playing at inside centre for Cardiff RFC, but has also played at fly-half at age-grade, including for Wales U20s.
“In my heart of hearts, I think he is a 10 who can play 12,” said Mulvihill.
“But at the moment he is doing very well as a 12. It takes a little bit of pressure off him and gives him an opportunity to play with a bit of freedom.”
Thomas, who has played A-team rugby for the Blues in the Celtic Cup, says his experiences with Cardiff RFC have benefited him over the last year or so.
“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,” he said.
“Learning from experienced players there has helped hugely.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Thomas played a key part in the Blue and Blacks’ 11-try rout of Ebbw Vale at the Arms Park on Friday night, particularly with his polished passing.
It was very different from the week before when they were restricted to a 12-3 victory against the same opponents in the Indigo Premiership in poor weather conditions.
“The week before was a bit of a tough game for us,” said Thomas.
“We looked forward to playing this week in better conditions with a dry ball.
“We like to play a wide game and it was lucky for us to have a night like that and it was a good game for us.”
