Flanker Josh Turnbull is delighted to be reunited with Head Coach Danny Wilson at Cardiff Blues - and revealed that only the highest standards will now be accepted by the new man in charge at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
Turnbull worked with Wilson during his time at Scarlets and has nothing but praise for the job that he did with the forwards at Parc y Scarlets.
The duo are now back working together at Cardiff Blues and during a gruelling opening few weeks of pre-season it is clear to Turnbull that Wilson will be striving to push his Blues to new heights.
Turnbull said: “Danny will demand a lot from the boys and that we know our roles. He is big on that and detail is massive. He ensures you get the small things right to make something big happen.
“I worked with him at the Scarlets and he demanded so much from the boys - there are no excuses.
“The sessions are short and sharp and it gives us time to really focus and get it right. He will drive us forward.
“Everybody wants to impress, particularly when new coaches come in, and work hard,” he added.
“The best way to do that is on the training field and you have to really bust a gut in pre-season.
“We are touching on a lot of detail at the moment so we are getting to grips with things. When new coaches come in they want to put their own templates in place and their points.
“It’s all about building upwards in pre-season. You put the pieces together and make sure we get things right.”
The players spent much of last week sweltering in a heatwave in Wales and Turnbull admitted the sessions had been brutal as the countdown to the new Guinness PRO12 season gathers pace.
“It’s been a tough few weeks. The days are short and sharp and we are being pushed hard,” he said.
“Danny is big on us having a focus at all times and every session you have got to be switched on.
“The heatwave didn’t help too much when it comes to running around the fields; but you can’t complain when the sun comes out!”
And even with a red-hot summer in full swing, Turnbull revealed there was no chance of his trademark facial hair during pre-season!
“The beard is coming along nicely,” he smiled. “The longest stint I have done is six or seven months – I might go for a little bit longer this season!”
Join Josh Turnbull and the Cardiff Blues for the new season at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. Season Tickets available NOW by calling 02920 302030 or by clicking HERE