Ioan Lloyd is embracing both the challenge and familiarity of life back in Cardiff as the Blue & Blacks prepare for Saturday night’s away clash with Ulster in Belfast (19:45 KO).

The fly-half, who returned to his home club in the summer after bursting onto the scene at Bristol Bears before joining the Scarlets, has featured in a number of positions across the backline in recent weeks.

He also played an important role in Cardiff’s win over Benetton last weekend, contributing valuable points in difficult conditions to help secure the victory late on and deny the Italians a losing bonus-point.

Reflecting on that contest, Lloyd acknowledged it was not one for the highlight reel, but stressed the importance of grinding out results at this stage of the season, including his part in converting the final points of the tie.

“The weather wasn’t great and the game probably wasn’t as expansive as either team would have hoped,” he admitted. “But it was really important for us to get the result. Going away in conditions like that is always tough, so to come out with the win meant a lot.”

“All I was thinking was if I hit the post, they’re picking it up and going the length,” he smiled. “I hit it and it was heading straight for the post, but luckily there was a bit of wind. Having that touchline kick with no pressure on was nice for once.”

Since rejoining Cardiff in the summer, Lloyd has been open about how much it means to be back at the Arms Park environment, surrounded by familiar faces and playing in front of supporters who have followed his journey from an early age.

Still just 24, Lloyd has returned to Cardiff with valuable experience gained elsewhere, experience that has helped him develop his game both physically and mentally.

“I’m loving it,” he reflected. “I’m really enjoying being back at my home club, seeing familiar faces and building on the results we’ve had so far this season.”

“I’ve been lucky to play a lot of rugby early on and that’s helped me massively,” he added. “Physically I feel really good, and it’s nice seeing how that experience is starting to come together now.”

While Lloyd is most comfortable at fly-half, his versatility has seen him deployed in multiple roles, including wing this weekend and it’s something he views as a strength rather than a compromise.

“Ten is probably my best position, but I love playing across the backline,” he explained. “Parts of my game suit other positions as well, especially the running side. Any opportunity to get out there and play for Cardiff, I’ll take it, whatever position that is.”

Attention now turns to another demanding away trip, with Lloyd anticipating a physical and high-quality test from Ulster, who have impressed with their attacking play this season.

“They’re playing some really good rugby this year and it’s always physical up there,” he noted. “Hopefully if we get any dry ball, there’ll be a bit of expansive rugby on show, but either way we know it’s going to be a big challenge.”

With Cardiff heading to Belfast targeting valuable points, Lloyd is ready to play his role as the Blue & Blacks aim to round off the block on a high.