Cameron Winnett insists Cardiff RFC will be looking to show their title credentials when they host Llandovery in the Indigo Group Premiership final on Sunday (KO 5.15pm).
The Blue and Blacks overcame Newport in a tense semi final last week, having finished top of the pile during the regular season and securing home status for the play-offs.
Having lifted the Premiership Cup last month, Steve Law’s side now have the opportunity to clinch the double at the Arms Park against a Drovers side that they have already met three times this season.
Academy full back Winnett was instrumental to the semi final victory over the Black and Ambers, scoring two first half tries, and he’s excited for the challenge ahead in front of a home crowd.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I haven’t played against Llandovery this season so it’s an exciting challenge ahead,” said the Welsh U20 international.
“They play a dangerous and exciting brand of rugby and I can’t wait to play against them.
“Home advantage will be massive for us, to have that crowd behind us and also play where we’re comfortable at. We’re hoping for a good turn-out on Sunday and I’m sure there will be from both teams.
“The semi final was an intense game with a lot of ball-in-play, but it was a good one to be involved in. I’m glad that we managed to get the win to lead us to the final.
“It was nice to top the league during the regular season but we knew that we needed to play these play-offs.
“We just need to show now why we were top of the league and why we should be winning the play-offs and lifting the trophy.”
Winnett has established himself as a key member of the Rags squad, building on strong performances for Wales U20 over the past two campaigns. With a total of 25 games to his name across all competitions, the youngster has played more minutes than any of his academy team-mates this season.
The promising full back, who has four first team appearances for Cardiff, is enjoying his development at the Arms Park and believes he will benefit greatly from playing in high-pressure matches such as Sunday’s clash – as he looks to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Teddy Williams, Ben Thomas and Theo Cabango.
The 20-year-old added: “I’ve seen and played with a lot of those boys and to see what they’re doing now, getting regular game time with the first team, is something that I hope to achieve in the coming seasons.
“I’m still young so I still feel like I need a lot of experience at this stage of my career.
“The experience of playing in big games like the cup final against Newport or the semi final last week will be really good for me later in my career. Sunday will be the same again and getting these games under my belt is good for me.
“It was a class experience in the cup final, to be walking out on the pitch. It gave me goosebumps and it was a nice experience to play on that pitch. I was happy that we came away with the win in the end, it was a good day.
“I try to take everything that I can from being around the seniors, especially watching players in the same position. You also pick up the way they conduct themselves around the environment.
“I try to take those learnings, no matter which squad I’m involved with – the RFC, Wales U20s or the first team at Cardiff. It’s been good to learn from them, but I need to continue doing that now.
“I’m looking forward to the summer. We’ve got some tough games coming up in the World Cup, facing New Zealand, France and Japan, and we’ll need to be on our best form to be able to compete in those games.
“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to play in those games and in a tournament like that.”
Tickets for Cardiff RFC v Llandovery are available now at exclusive online prices (Wednesday to Friday). Entry is included as part of current Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Rugby Season Memberships.