The 24-year-old loosehead, who in late 2020 reached a half-century of appearances for the Blues, also described how being a father to young daughter Mia has given him perspective.
Domachowski recently took a trip through history to trace his heritage and found a remarkable story which he is using to help his rugby.
“My great grandfather, Stefan, was Polish. That’s where my surname came from,” said Domachowski.
“He was in Auschwitz and I’ve got a lot of information about him from my grandfather recently which I wasn’t aware of.
“It was quite remarkable really, an eye-opener. He escaped from Auschwitz and came over and that’s when he met my great grandmother. His story has been a great inspiration for me and it’s why I’m here today.”
Corey Domachowski of Cardiff Blues
I’ve got a lot of information about him from my grandfather recently which I wasn’t aware of. It was quite remarkable really, an eye opener. He escaped from Auschwitz. His story has been a great inspiration for me.
Stefan settled in Pencoed and enlisted in the Polish Armed Forces in the West, who provided vital military services to the Allies during the Second World War. Today, a plaque dedicated to the Polish Forces in South Wales can be found outside City Hall in Cathays, Cardiff.
Post-war, Stefan worked in the mines in Ogmore Vale. He surely would have been delighted to know that his great-grandson would end up making a success of himself in that most Welsh of sports.
Former Wales Under-20 Six Nation Grand Slam winner Corey has found inspiration in Stefan’s life, as well as becoming a parent himself: “I’ve been working hard over the last 18 months to better my game and it’s been nice to have the opportunities.
“Ever since my daughter was born it’s given me a kick up the backside.
“When I was in the academy I was one of those players who was just happy to be where I was.
“I probably could have worked a bit harder and I realised that when the baby came along.
“She gives me inspiration and that’s why I do it. It’s all for her.
“She’s definitely been a factor behind my improvements over the last 18 months and it was great to reach 50 caps for the Blues recently.”
