Hallam Amos is excited to get his Cardiff Blues career underway as he prepares to make his debut for Wales’ Capital Region against Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
The summer signing will line-up at full back for the Challenge Cup, making his first regional appearance of the season after being part of the Wales squad during the Rugby World Cup.
Amos is looking forward to running out as a home player at the lively Cardiff Arms Park and has enjoyed his first week as a Cardiff Blues player.
“It’s been a great first few days in camp. I knew 90 per cent of the boys already, but it’s been about getting used to the new environment and the backroom staff,” said Amos.
“It’s exciting. It’s nice to have a change and it’s been really good so far. Training has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to getting out there on the weekend.
“I’ve played at the Arms Park when it’s been absolutely tipping it down, but the atmosphere is still fantastic. The crowd are always brilliant.
“I’m so glad the pitch has changed, because the first couple of times I played here it was an absolute mud bath. Since the change, even with poor weather, you always get good games.
“The atmosphere is great and I’m expecting a lot of noise on Saturday.
“Laney always does his impression of the tannoy, which I’m not going to do myself, so I’m looking forward to hearing that as well!
“It’s an exciting occasion for myself.”
Amos made two appearances for Warren Gatland’s side in Japan, featuring in the pool stage win over Uruguay and in the bronze final against New Zealand.
He lined up alongside regional team-mates Josh Adams and Owen Lane against the All Blacks, but is aware of the competition for places in the back three at the Arms Park.
The 22-times capped international said: “It was something we spoke about during the time, and hopefully we’ll get a few run-outs together in the Blue jersey this season.
“As a unit I thought we went fairly well against the All Blacks, and you’re not going to get much bigger challenges than that.
“But boys like Aled [Summerhill], Jason [Harries] and Nipper [Matthew Morgan] have been doing really well this year, and we have some real strength in the back three.
“I know Mulvers has previously mentioned possibly Laney moving to 13, and it’s a position I’ve also played in the past.
“There are people who can cover different positions so it’s about getting your strongest team on the pitch and it will be exciting.
“You can’t play badly because you’ve got other people here, who are of international calibre and ready to step in.
“Even in my first few days I’ve been able to see how we push each other and hopefully that will continue throughout the season.”
Six of Cardiff Blues' nine representatives in the Wales squad are selected for Saturday's blockbuster Challenge Cup encounter against Leicester Tigers at the Arms Park. Make sure you head down for an unmissable evening of European rugby at the Welsh capital, as the sides go head-to-head for the first time in Europe since the infamous 2009 Heineken Cup semi final shoot-out. Tickets available NOW!