Robert Arthur Thoms (19 May 1826 – 10 June 1903) was a cricket umpire who stood in two Test matches, the first two played in England, in 1880 and 1882.

[5] The Australian Test captain Joe Darling said, "Thoms was about the only umpire in England who was not afraid of Grace or anyone else.

"[6] The weekly magazine Cricket said: He was universally regarded as the umpire of the period, imperturbable, accurate and prompt in his decisions, and a great authority on the laws of the game.

Unlike most umpires who, when they have given a decision, decline to argue or discuss the matter, he had a habit of explaining just what had happened, and as he very seldom made a mistake, his comments were always heard with respect and often admiration.

[1]Thoms frequently wrote articles on cricket for the sporting press, "always having something interesting to say in quaint language, which was charming and entirely his own".