Prop Adam Jones admits it will be an unusual experience when he returns to former club Ospreys this Sunday afternoon - especially when he walks in the away dressing room!
Wales and British & Irish Lions prop star Jones was an iconic figure at the Ospreys over a decade of service that saw him clock up over 150 appearances and claim the Celtic League on four occasions.
However, this summer all that changed when the destructive front row made the switch to the Blues and the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park this season.
Blues now make the trip to the Liberty Stadium for a first Welsh derby of the season this Sunday afternoon (kick-off 4pm) and for Jones that will mean a number of firsts.
Jones said: “It will certainly be weird going in the away dressing rooms. I think I’ve been in there a couple of times for pre-season photos but that’s it. I’ve never come in on the bus or anything like that.
“I’m looking forward to the day. It will be different and an interesting one, I’m not sure what kind of reception I will get but hopefully it will be a good one from the fans.
“I did what I had to do in the summer and I’m happy with my 11 years at the Ospreys and what I achieved. I don’t need to prove a point to anyone.
“I’m still incredibly close to the players down at Ospreys – I’m even meeting Alun-Wyn Jones for food afterwards!”
One familiar face that Jones could find himself lining up against is namesake Duncan who he has nothing but praise for.
“As much as we spent the last 15 years together we haven’t actually scrummaged that much – you do a bit in training but it’s more a gentlemen’s agreement that you don’t,” he laughed.
“People think we are brothers, but he is older than me! Seriously though, he is doing incredibly well at the moment and bringing players on too.
“He’s a consummate professional and it will be great if we go head to head – there will be lots of hair!”
Blues go into the game looking to build on the 24-24 comeback draw against Connacht last Friday and Jones is convinced results will start to turn soon.
And he also revealed how he is making personal gains under Director of Rugby Mark Hammett.
He said: “I feel good and I’m happy where I am. Results haven’t gone as we had planned but we will get better.
“I’m as fit as I have been in a long time. Mark (Hammett) told me to lose weight and I have done that.
“He has worked on a few technical things with me and factors around the park. It is a different voice for me and I’m enjoying that.
“I was talking to Andy Newman, who used to play with me at the Ospreys, that someone like Mark is good for me, these type of guys get the best out of me.
“He is straight to the point, perhaps that it is a New Zealand thing, but he works you hard and that is what I need. I am six or seven weeks in now and I’m enjoying working with him and all the coaches.”