Cardiff Rugby: Lost boys taking second chance in back row

Sherratt admitted he was “amazed” Thomas, who turns 31 on Friday, was left looking for a club after being released by Bristol in June.

The Cardiff coach was also alert to pick up Donnell and Lawrence on short-term contracts last season before offering the pair new deals in the summer. And the trio are repaying that faith.

Back-row injuries have accelerated their progress with the likes of Taulupe Faletau, Thomas Young and Alex Mann missing.

But Thomas has carried on the traditions of the blue and black seven jersey, leading the United Rugby Championship (URC) for turnovers – seven – this season.

Number eight Lawrence had made more carries – 39 – than any other regional player, with Donnell just behind for successful carries.

Lawrence summed up the attitude of the Cardiff back-row trio.

“When you’ve come so close to losing your career and giving it all up, you definitely want to make the most of another chance,” he said.

“That’s the brutal side of professional sport, you never know what’s around the corner. So you want to give it everything when you can.”