Second row Josh McNally has opened up about the excitement of starting a new chapter at Cardiff Rugby.
After leaving Bath in the summer, the veteran forward is thriving at the Blue and Blacks, embracing the challenges of playing at a new club and helping its young, promising talent develop.
"At my age now, everyone is younger than me apart from Rey," said McNally. "At Bath, it was similar.
“There were some really young players at Bath that were going to become great things and I think here you are starting to see that here.
“There were some guys that were probably pushed into it early last year, which is well documented and had great years and went on tour.
“There’s some really good raw talent at this club and it's just going to be about growing that over time.
“Hopefully with the right people and a bit more experience that's now come in, we can just help the squad develop and we start to see fantastic performances and multiple caps from them in the future.”
Reflecting on his final year at Bath, the 34-year-old admitted that the weight of securing another contract created significant pressure.
After conversations in the summer with head coach Matt Sherratt, he realised he had more to offer. This led to his move to Cardiff, a decision that has rejuvenated his passion for the game.
“I'm just loving my rugby,” said McNally. “Coming into my final year at Bath I put a lot of pressure on myself.
“I wanted to get another contract and I really had a tough year of not playing. People around you when you get to 34, start asking you questions like when are you going to retire and stuff but I don't feel like I'm ready to.
“I had some really good conversations with Jockey and felt like I had something to give still.
“I had an opportunity to come here and honestly, it's been the most refreshing period of my career. I've come, taken the pressure right off myself, and just enjoyed rugby again and that’s probably something that I've not done for a few years.
“I've come in and I've absolutely loved it. The boys have welcomed me in, understanding probably why I've come here and been embraced really well and I've absolutely loved it.”
A key factor in his newfound passion is his appreciation for Cardiff's deep rugby roots, something he admits he initially underestimated.
“I probably took for granted, or was a bit naive, to the history that Cardiff has got," admitted McNally.
“I went into the clubhouse after the game against Zebre and you just think actually this is a club with a huge history.
“I'm really passionate about getting the club back to where they want it to be and be part of this journey.
“Having our shirts presented to us by Sir Gareth, Sam (Warburton), Jamie (Roberts) - these guys are legends of world rugby, not necessarily just Welsh rugby.
“This club has got a place in history and I'm massively excited to try and get it back to where it should be.”