Seb Davies is itching to get competitive rugby under his belt, as he prepares for his first appearance of the new campaign.
The lock is one of four internationals that feature on the bench for Cardiff Blues A in their Celtic Cup encounter against Dragons A at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.
With the Guinness PRO14 kicking off a month later this season, it’s been an extended pre-season for John Mulvihill’s side and Davies says the squad are excited to get out on the pitch to face their east Wales rivals.
“I think a lot of the boys are itching to get out there after a long pre-season, and we’re still just under a month away from the competitive Guinness PRO14 games,” said the Welsh international.
“But everyone is looking forward to getting some game-time under their belts and get pre-season done and dusted with.
“Pre-season has been tough as it always in and everyone’s looking forward for Saturday to arrive.
“Pre-season is the time to work for everyone in the team, and just like everyone else, I’ve been training as hard as I can, and I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.
“The move to the Arms Park has been good so far, and probably the only down side is for the boys from outside Cardiff who take a little bit longer to get in to work.
“They’ll be showing the Wales game on the big screen on Saturday, and hopefully there will be a few people around town who will pop in to watch two good games of rugby.”
While Davies is joined by experienced team-mates such as Dan Fish, Aled Summerhill, Matthew Morgan and Will Boyde in the squad for Saturday’s Summerfest encounter, the squad is also packed of young and exciting talent such as Ioan Davies, Jamie Hill, James Botham and captain, Alun Lawrence.
The lock believes the clash is a perfect opportunity for players to put an early marker down ahead of the new campaign.
He added: “This is a chance for some of the youngsters to put their names up, especially with a lot of boys away on international duty.
“It’s a big opportunity for boys to stand up and play as well as they can.”
Gates open ahead of the game at 1pm for the annual Summerfest event, which will include player-led Skill Masterclasses, Inflatable activities, Q&As, stadium tours and a live screening of Ireland v Wales.
The event is included in Season Membership packages and tickets can be purchased by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030