Taine Basham says he’s relishing the fresh challenge of life in the capital and is determined to make his mark in blue and black.
The dynamic back-rower joined from Dragons and has already hit the ground running during an intense start to pre-season at the Arms Park.
“The facilities are great, the boys have been great as well, very welcoming,” said Basham. “I knew plenty of the boys before coming in, but to come down and train in the city centre is something different, but it’s been really good.”
Basham, who brings international experience and explosive attacking quality to the Cardiff pack, says the club’s set-up and environment were a major draw.
“The facilities and the training base has everything you need,” he added. “From the food, the weights, to the recovery suites – it’s perfect.
“It’s really nice to be able to go into training in the morning, do your bits and bobs to get ready for the session, and then pop into town, have a coffee, and the locals see you in your Cardiff kit. It feels like you’re part of something.”
With the new campaign fast approaching, the 25-year-old has already been put through his paces in gruelling conditions at the Arms Park.
“We’ve been running since day dot really, and Monday was probably one of the toughest sessions I’ve done.
“29-30 degrees I think on that 4G, and the boys dug in deep. It’s all about going again the next day and recovering now.”
Having spent seven seasons at Dragons, Basham felt the time was right for a new challenge and Cardiff’s vision for the future proved impossible to ignore.
“I’ve been at Dragons for seven years and I felt a change was needed and seeing where this club is, where it’s at and where it’s going really excited me so I was more than happy to come on the journey.
With fierce competition for places in the back row at both Cardiff and Wales, Basham is focused on earning a regular starting spot and contributing wherever he’s needed.
“The back row is a very competitive area in Wales as a whole and hopefully if you have something a little bit different and shine through that, maybe you get plenty of starts and plenty of game time,” he added.
“The results last year for Cardiff were great and hopefully we can add to that.
“I like wearing seven on my back, but I also like coming off the back of the base of the scrum as well.
“As long as I get the ball in my hands and be able to carry and put my attributes onto the game, then I think it’ll be all good.”