Thomas, who officiated three Test matches in 1970s involving France, New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland, was also a highly respected administrator and a key figure at his beloved Pontypridd rugby club.
“Welsh and world refereeing has lost a dear friend,” said the WRU’s head of refereeing Nigel Whitehouse.
“Cenydd worked tirelessly within rugby especially at his ‘second home’ in Sardis Road, he was an outstanding and iconic individual who upheld the ethics and values of rugby.
“He did all he could to support and assist visiting referees to Pontypridd where there was always a warm welcome!
“He rose quickly through the refereeing ranks within Wales after his playing days and went on to referee Test matches during the 1977/78 period as well as a many other exchange games around the world.
“He was also one of the most respected match officials within Wales at this time, he will be sadly missed by us all.”
Thomas played rugby for Pontypridd, Pontypool, Aberavon and Blackheath before progressing to be an international referee.
He was secretary of Pontypridd when they won the Welsh Cup in 1996 and the Welsh League the following year.
Away from rugby Thomas was a police officer who rose to the rank of chief superintendant in the South Wales Constabulary and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. He was also made an MBE for services to the community.
Current Welsh Rugby Union President and former Secretary Dennis Gethin was a contemporary of Thomas’ during his professional career as a police offer and has fond memories of sharing a love for rugby.
“Cenydd used to visit me once a month in the council offices when I was the CEO in Cardiff, we developed a longstanding friendship and he was personally a great help to me.
“We continued that friendship as we both became deeper entrenched in the game and he was a great servant to rugby, and to Pontypridd in particular, who will be sadly missed.”
