Max Llewellyn admits it’s a bittersweet feeling as he prepares to depart his boyhood club at the end of the season.
The Blue and Blacks centre has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Arms Park this season, but will depart at the end of the current campaign to link up with Gallagher Premiership outfit, Gloucester.
Llewellyn, who came through Cardiff’s pathway system, is excited for the challenge ahead at Kingsholm but is fully focused on finishing his time at the Arms Park on a high.
“Of course I’m looking forward to experiencing somewhere new, but it’s also really sad to be leaving Cardiff, which is somewhere I grew up,” said the former Ysgol Glantaf pupil.
“I’ve got to know everyone at the club so well now and it’s going to be tough come the end of the season to say goodbye.
“I definitely want to sign off on a high now at the end of the campaign. When I suffered my injury earlier this year, I was concerned that I’d already played my final game in a Cardiff jersey so I was really happy when I heard the news that I’d be back to play the last few games.
“My main focus now is entirely on making sure that we finish the season as well as we can and put Cardiff in the best place possible to compete.”
Llewellyn also paid tribute to the supporters and those who have played a part in his journey so far, saying the Blue and Blacks will forever be close to his heart.
The inside centre added: “Cardiff will always be a club that’s really close to my heart and special to me. Obviously I used to come to games when I was younger, but being around the people and the environment only made me realise just how special this club is and how much I do love it, and that’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.
“I’ve still got loads of friends here and Cardiff will always be home so I’m sure I’ll be back and forth here, keeping my eye on results.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the way they’ve welcomed me to the club since I got here. Ever since coming through as a youngster, the supporters have always been supportive and I’m really grateful for that.
“Everyone has also been really understanding of my decision recently and that’s something else I’m really thankful for.
“I’ve always had ambitions to play in the English Premiership one day, but especially considering the uncertainty in Welsh rugby at the moment as soon as a club like Gloucester comes around it was an offer I couldn’t turn down. It helps me secure my future, gives me peace of mind and allows me to crack on and do what I love, which is play rugby.”
Cardiff host Sale Sharks on April 1 as European knockout rugby returns to the Arms Park for the first time since 2018. Join us in our bid for a third European crown. Buy your tickets NOW