New Cardiff recruit and lifelong fan, Thomas Young, admits it will be a special moment to run out in front of the Arms Park faithful once again, following his return to the capital.
The Wales international came through the Blue and Black’s pathway system, making a total of 19 appearances for the club’s first team before departing for Gloucester in 2014.
Aberdare native Young would go on to spend eight years with Wasps before returning home to the capital this summer, linking up with the squad for pre-season training last week.
Young is now ready to get down to business and is determined to make his mark in the Blue and Black jersey.
“I’m obviously very happy to be back here. It’s a case of being the same, yet different,” said the back row on the start of his second week of pre-season training.
“There’s a few boys here that I already know but there’s also been a lot of change. I’m really happy.
“This was the club I grew up supporting, and I was a ball boy here as well a few years ago. So it’s nice to come back and I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“It’s nice to come somewhere where you know people, and they obviously gave me some stick as soon as I walked in.
“But as I say, I’m happy to be here and hopefully we can push on and have a good season.
“I came through the academy system and before that I was here watching, for obvious reasons.
“To come through the academy and age grade system, it was always a goal to play for the Blues, as it was at the time.
“Things worked out a bit different but now I had the opportunity to come back. I want to make sure I take the opportunity and show what I can do.
“It’ll be nice to play back at the Arms Park. It’s a traditional rugby club and you can see how close the stand is to the pitch. The support that Cardiff have got is something I’m looking forward to playing in front of.
“Cardiff are a well known club around the world so playing in front of the home fans is something I’ll enjoy.”
Young, who continually impressed in the Premiership for Wasps, joins a highly competitive back row division at Cardiff Rugby.
The 30 year old hopes the competition for places in the pack will help to push everyone to reach their potential, and believes that drive can only benefit the club.
He added: “The back row competition here is up there with the best around. Hopefully we’ll push each other on and we can do well for the club.
“Coming back now I’m a bit older, because when I left I was 20 I think. I’ve been away and had experience elsewhere.
“Hopefully the experience I’ve got can drive the younger boys on, but that they also push me as much as I can push them.
“It’s going to be an enjoyable time. Hopefully we can keep improving every day and the results show on the pitch.
“It’s been tough in training, and it’s been pretty hot out there, but it’s been nice to get amongst it with the boys.
“I’ve known that I’m coming for a while now so I’m happy to start and get chucked in at the deep end. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”