Thomas grew up on a farm outside of Malmesbury, a smallish farming community about an hour’s drive from CPT. He then attended Paarl Boys, famous for producing some of SA’s best front rowers, the likes of Frans Malherbe and Guthro Steenkamp.
After school one of the cape’s mountain’s was moved to Durban to join the Sharks where he dominated junior rugby, effortlessly switching between the tighter and the lighter side of the scrum and catching the eye with his bulldozing carries.
All one really need do to find out everything you need to know about Thomas is compare week 1 of Super Rugby 2018 to week 10. Moved to tighthead permanently in the off season he was destroyed in week 1, destroyed everyone else in week 10 and had a fantastic debut International series against the English. A true showing of resilience and endeavour.
Thomas has a quiet confidence about him. Goal orientated and soft spoken he chooses to do rather than talk. Settling at tighthead has settled the man and the tank is ready to wage war as a world heavy weight.
South Africa Caps
Super Rugby Caps
Currie Cup Caps