As the 2020/21 campaign draws to a close against Zebre later today, Lloyd Williams is already excited at the prospect of running out in front of the Cardiff Arms Park faithful next season.
The scrum half crossed the whitewash as a replacement against Munster last week, and has been rewarded for his form with a starting spot for the season finale against the Italian outfit.
The Welsh international hopes to finish the season on a high but admits that the squad have thoroughly missed the electric Cardiff Arms Park atmosphere this season.
Williams said: “The boys played some good rugby last week but we didn’t come away with the result we were after.
“But on the whole the boys managed to follow the game-plan that had been worked on during the week of preparations.
“The boys are looking forward to the end of the season now. It’s been a long one with a lot of stop-start and now things are starting to come to an end.
“It will be nice to enjoy a bit of a break and then we’re back into it as everything starts over again next season.
“Hopefully by that point we’re able to welcome fans back and it will be back to a bit of normality.
“You don’t always consider the advantage that the crowd brings, especially for us at home.
“We’ve really missed having the fans behind us this year. We’ve needed them behind us and next year that influence will be massive for us.
“At the Arms Park, they always create a lot of noise and atmosphere and that’s something we benefit from because it affects both sides on the field.
“Welcoming them back would be a huge boost to us as players and we’re all looking forward to that.”
Earlier this week it was confirmed that Tomos Williams has signed a new deal with Cardiff, becoming the latest homegrown star to extend his stay at the capital.
Lloyd is delighted to see his fellow scrum half committing to the club and believes they both benefit from the competition for the number nine jersey.
Williams added: “I’m really pleased for Tomos and the club that he’s staying here.
“It took a little bit of time to get over the line, but it’s a pleasure to have him here.
“The boys think really highly of him, and that’s certainly true for me both as a player and a person.
“We’re lucky to have him here and I’m glad he’s staying. He’s a boost to my rugby, we’re always pushing each other and I like that.
“That competition brings out the best in both of us.”