Josh McNally says Cardiff are relishing the opportunity to test themselves against Leinster as they prepare to travel to Dublin for Round Three of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Cardiff have made a positive start to the new campaign and will now face one of their biggest challenges of the season when they take on Leinster at the Laya Arena.

For McNally, the fixture represents an opportunity for Cardiff to measure how far they have progressed as a squad and begin to show they can compete away from home.

“There’s obviously a challenge, but we’re excited for the opportunity,” McNally said.

“I think for us as a group now we’ve grown over the last three years, and there’s going to become a point where we aren’t just picking up a few derby wins and beating the Italian teams at home.

“I think we need to start pushing now, going away from home and being competitive in these games.”

Cardiff head to Dublin with confidence following their opening home performance, having attacked with intent and put their identity on the game.

McNally believes the side are continuing to develop as a group and sees the trip to Leinster as an ideal opportunity to test that progress against a side stacked with British and Irish Lions.

“There’s a real excitement around the place to go and test ourselves against what is probably going to be Leinster’s full squad,” he said.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity. It’s a great test for us to see where we’re at, what our game and DNA can put up at that level and see what happens.”

The experienced forward also expects the fixture to provide a memorable occasion for the squad, with Cardiff travelling to Dublin to face Leinster for the opening fixture at the Laya Arena.

“I think it’ll be a great occasion back at their home ground,” McNally added.

“It would just be a great occasion to be away with the boys over the weekend and see where it gets us.”

McNally has also welcomed the continued development of Cardiff’s younger players, highlighting the progress of players who have come through the club’s pathway during his time with the region.

The forward says watching the next generation develop has been a major part of what has kept him at Cardiff.

“I’ve loved it and that’s probably the reason why I’m still here,” he said.

“I’ve absolutely loved coming here, working with everyone and seeing some of the young guys developing now.

“Alex Mann was so young when I first got here, but to see the player he’s grown into, and guys like Tommy Bowen, it’s just a great young group that’s coming through.”

With each passing season, McNally believes the squad is becoming increasingly settled, with the younger members of the group gaining valuable experience alongside the senior players.

“I feel like every year I’ve come back, everyone’s gotten a year older, everyone’s got a bit more experience and the group is really settled now,” he said.

“I love being a part of it, coming to work every week, and as long as that continues I’ll still be here.”