Cardiff Rugby announce signing of Welsh star from English club

Cardiff Rugby have announced the signing of Welsh back-rower Dan Thomas.

The Arms Park side have been extremely active in the off-season so far, having announced the signings of Callum Sheedy, Rory Jennings, Iwan Stephens and Gabriel Hamer-Webb among others.

The Welshman, 30, has spent seven seasons at Bristol Bears and made 144 appearances for the club. He will compete for a place in a competitive-looking openside stable which includes Wales internationals Thomas Young and James Botham.

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“I had a great time at Bristol and hold so many fond memories but I am now really excited to join Cardiff and have the opportunity to represent such a great club," Thomas said upon signing.

“I am a proud Welshman and to be able to return home to Wales with Cardiff was a big pull in my decision.

“I have been really impressed by the brand of rugby Cardiff play and feel it suits my own attributes and playing style, so I am excited to get involved in that and do what I can for the team.

“Being able to play in the URC is also something that appealed to me given the challenge of going up against so many different playing styles in different countries and environments.”

Thomas is a product of the Scarlets academy before he left west Wales for Gloucester in 2014. After three years at Kingsholm he made the move to Bristol and has built a very positive reputation for himself there.

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Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt voiced his delight at signing the back-rower, saying: "I’m really pleased to bring Dan on board ahead of next season and feel he is a really good fit for the club.

“He comes from a good environment, where he has played more than 140 games and won silverware but also arrives with a point to prove in Wales.

“He suits our attacking playing style as a fast and dynamic openside, who is effective on both sides of the ball and has a lot of experience from the Premiership.

“Although already very experienced he is highly motivated to prove a point in Wales and will compete hard for a place in our back-row while helping both the young players in his position and those alongside him.”

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