Teddy Williams is eager to continue his development on the senior stage, after his first try in Cardiff Blues colours sealed a Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup derby win over Dragons on Sunday.
The lock came off the bench to make his first senior appearance at Cardiff Arms Park and crashed over for the match-winning try just seven minutes from full time.
Williams, who was one of five former Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf pupils on the pitch, was delighted to get the victory but remains focused on his own development as he gets to grips with the physicality of the senior game.
“I was pretty chuffed to get on and make an impact, and it was great to get the win in the end,” said the former Wales under-20 lock.
“Fair play, we dug in for most of the second half as they were a man up for most of it.
“But we kept ourselves in the game and when the opportunity came it was nice to get over for the winner.
“Of course the result is the most important first and foremost. Having been up against it at times it was great to come out with the right result.
“The defence played a huge part, and that’s what you have to expect if you lose men to red or yellow cards.
“From a personal point of view, it’s great to get a run out and hopefully there’s plenty more to come.
“Hopefully I can keep getting more game time under my belt. I want to keep improving and settle into the senior environment.
“The important thing is to become used to the physicality and get comfortable with the collisions at this level.
“Dai encourages me to be confident and decisive on the pitch. He likes to see me getting involved and stuck in out there, and wants me to carry on doing what I’ve been doing since I was a kid.”
Next up for Dai Young’s men is a trip down west to face Scarlets at Llanelli on Saturday.
Williams, who penned his first professional contract with his hometown club last summer, is ready for another stern challenge at Parc y Scarlets as Cardiff look to make it back-to-back wins.
“It’s always a tough game against Scarlets, but also one that you always look to target,” adds the lock.
“We know we have to be ready for a tough test any time we come up against them.”