Macauley Cook has paid tribute to the Arms Park faithful after he drew the curtain on a 10-year spell with Cardiff Blues.
The versatile forward has left the region, following 167 appearances and 17 tries, to join Jersey Reds in the English Championship.
Cook admits it is disappointing to leave his home region, particularly at a time when he cannot enjoy a farewell due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but his overwhelming emotion is one of pride and he has thanked the entire Cardiff Blues family.
Speaking to Cardiff Blues TV, Cook said: “I’m really gutted to be leaving in these circumstances and not being able to say goodbye to the boys and the staff.
“It is disappointing to be leaving but I look back on 10 years with some great memories and some not so good ones but I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a region and a club with such history for such a long time.
“I have always had a great support from the supporters and mainly positive comments on social media.
“They have been good to me over the years and they are awesome when they fill the place out, especially for the derbies and it is packed to the rafters and they are singing. It definitely spurs the boys on and makes a massive difference.
“That support has been great over the years so I just want to thank them for that support on and off the pitch.”
Since making his debut against Exeter Chiefs in the LV=Cup in 2010, Cook went on to establish himself as a consistent and popular member of the squad.
He is currently eighth on the regional appearance list and has a lifetime of fond memories from the Cardiff Blues academy to his tenth and final season with his home region.
That debut against Exeter, his milestone appearances and the 2018 all conquering European Challenge Cup campaign all stand out , as well as the friends made along the way.
He added: “I have some great memories and met good people along the way who will always be with me no matter what I do.
“I grew up wanting to be a professional player and I remember coming down to watch Tito, Rushie and those boys. It was surreal in the end to get my chance with Dai Young showed some faith in me when I was coming through the academy.
“There are not many players who have 150 plus games for the region and when I was growing up I looked up to those boys like TRT, Gethin and Deniol Jones. It was awesome to be able to join them.”
You can watch the full interview with Macca here: