Footballing Brothers Keiran and Luke Thomas Set for First Competitive Match in FA Cup

Brothers Keiran and Luke Thomas are scheduled to compete against each other for the first time in a professional fixture this Saturday, as their respective teams, Weston-super-Mare and Bristol Rovers, clash in the FA Cup first round. Despite a childhood spent playing football together, this marks their inaugural competitive encounter. Luke, aged 25, is a winger for the League One club Rovers, while his 29-year-old older brother, Keiran, plays as a right-back for Weston, a non-league team in the National League South. The Thomas family, who hail from the Forest of Dean, anticipate a divided loyalty regardless of the match’s outcome. “Really excited, really proud day for the family. Mum and Dad will be there, not quite sure who they’ll be supporting,” Luke Thomas informed BBC Points West. He added, “I think it might be the first time where they celebrate both teams scoring.” Keiran Thomas commented, “I don’t think I’m going to get a better draw for the first round, it’s what dreams are made of. We’d like to be on the same team but to play against each other is just as good.” For Keiran, a carpenter who is making his FA Cup debut, the news that sixth-tier Weston would play away against his brother’s team was described as “emotional.” He recounted, “I was listening to it in my van. I was out trying to get some stuff for work and when it come through my heart was pounding. I really wanted Rovers and when it come through I was just speechless. It was a bit emotional, one of them really, it was really nice.” Luke stated, “He rang me, I completely forgot about it. I was over the moon when he said we were playing each other. I’m really looking forward to it, can’t wait.” The Thomas brothers, including a third sibling Liam, developed their passion for football together, all having been part of Cheltenham Town’s youth academy. Luke subsequently pursued a professional career, signing with Derby before transfers to Coventry, Barnsley, and Ipswich, eventually joining Bristol Rovers—initially on loan in 2021-2022, followed by a permanent transfer last year. In contrast, Keiran established his career in non-league football. Their professional paths intersected briefly during a stint at Gloucester City in 2017. “We have always grown up playing with each other but he’s a few years older than me so I never got the chance to play with him at a young age,” Luke explained. He added, “We did have a season at Gloucester on loan together for a few games. He played right-back and I played right-wing so the link-up was there.” Keiran stated, “I’ve always supported Luke and I want him to really push on and I believe he can push on even further than what he’s doing now. When he played at Wembley for Barnsley [in a League One play-off final], I said that’s one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had. I’m really proud of what he’s achieved.” Luke Thomas finalized his transfer to Rovers from Barnsley in 2023, having initially joined the club on loan in 2021. The brothers consistently exchange good luck wishes before their matches. Should both be named in their respective starting lineups for Saturday’s 15:00 GMT kick-off, there will be no animosity or attempts to unsettle each other. Luke commented, “I’d just wish him good luck, I’m sure he’d do the same with me. I’ll be concentrating on the game and I know he will be to.” Keiran further stated, “May the best team win and we’ll go from there.”