Paul Tito says Cardiff will always hold a special place in his heart, but insists it’s business, not pleasure, on the agenda on his return to the capital.
The Blue and Blacks legend is in Wales as a member of the Georgian national side’s backroom team. The Lelos were training at Cardiff Arms Park on Wednesday in preparations for Saturday’s clash at Principality Stadium.
Tito made 124 appearances for Cardiff across five seasons, captaining the side to the European Challenge Cup and EDF Energy Cup, cementing his place as an Arms Park favourite.
The New Zealand will be up against familiar faces on Saturday, with former team-mates Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams amongst Wales’ backroom staff and the matchday 23 containing Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.
Tito says he is looking forward to meeting up with old friends, but first of all, all eyes will be on the challenge ahead against Wales.
“It’s always good to be back in Cardiff, but I’m obviously here to try and do a job on Wales,” said Tito.
“So it’s pretty exciting to be able to come back and coach in the big stadium.
“When you’ve spent five years of your life somewhere, surrounded by good people and creating good memories, it will always be close to your heart.
“My babies were born here too so it always holds a special place in our family.
“The Arms Park is a special ground which is pretty iconic around the world. So it’s great that we’ve been able to come here and train with the Georgian national side today.
“There’s always ex-players involved in footy, and it’s good to see these guys going on. Nugget is also there as team manager and there’s a few guys that I played with who will be playing.
“So it will be good to see Pens [Leigh Halfpenny] and these guys still playing and it will be good to catch up with them after the game.
“I was able to catch up with a few familiar faces earlier in the week and I’ll catch up on Friday with a few of the boys.
“I’m here for three weeks with the Georgian national team and current back in New Zealand coaching and I’m really enjoying it.”
Tito also took the time to pop into the home changing room at Cardiff Arms Park, which is decorated with name-plates of Cardiff legends who have worn the famous jersey over the years.
Tito proudly sits amongst the club’s greatest locks, and he admits it’s a privilege to be included amongst the greats.
The former lock added: “It’s a special place, and my name was up on the wall with Bob Norster. Bob was the CEO when I was here with Cardiff, and he is a great man.
“So to have my name alongside him is a real privilege.”
Cardiff Rugby has a limited amount of tickets available to purchase for Wales v Georgia, please contact the ticket office on 029 20 30 20 30 or email [email protected] to purchase.