From colliery worker to Wales international to successful local businessman - scrum-half Tavis Knoyle has already crammed a lot into his career.
The popular 29-year-old - who has won 11 caps and featured in the 2011 World Cup – is busy preparing for his fourth season at Dragons after signing a new one-year extension.
Knoyle battled back from an injury nightmare – that saw him play just 13 minutes in 2017/18 due to wrist and knee injuries – to make an impressive 19 appearances last season.
The livewire number nine admits he is now enjoying his rugby more than ever and puts much of that down to the new balance to life on and off the field.
Knoyle remains a crucial part of the Rodney Parade squad, but away from action is also running the Unit 9 gym in Neath alongside life with his young family and wife Jolene.
“I have got a good mix now between rugby and what I do away from the sport. Having a young family is great too. I love it,” smiled Knoyle.
“I’m privileged to get up in the morning and go training. I get to travel to some different countries, experience different cultures and meet different people along the way. A new season is always an exciting time.
“I’ve been over the moon with how my new business has gone. The people working at Unit 9, and my friend who is running it, are fantastic and doing so well.
“There is a good trust there which means I can concentrate 100% on my rugby when I am here with Dragons.
“It’s what every young player should do,” he added. “I tell them all to think hard about their futures after the game.
“I know it is difficult when you are playing, you have to enjoy it for what it is, but I remember going out with my mates and trying a few trades as well to see if I enjoyed them.
“Studying is not my cup of tea, but everyone is different and you’ve got to find what is right for you.
“As older players we have to encourage youngsters to learn about life after rugby or try and prepare for it now.
“Rugby was my total world, but I guess injuries pushed me to look at other things and see what else there was. You have to look at different avenues.
“The WRPA are working hard here with the players to show them what is on offer, which is great to see, and I hope that only gets stronger.”
While his business venture means lots of early mornings and weekend work, Knoyle’s focus on the Dragons remains as sharp as ever.
The scrum half, who has played for all four regions, has welcomed fresh competition with the arrival of Luke Baldwin this campaign.
“The new regime has been good and we are all upbeat about what is going on. There is a really positive vibe about the place,” he said.
“There are new structures and ways of working, but everything has settled down quickly.
“Pre-season is going well. It’s obviously a long one, with the World Cup going on, but it is gradually getting tougher every week.
“I’m pleased Luke (Baldwin) is here and looking forward to the challenge to be honest,” he added.
“It’s always been the same for the last ten years of my career. That is what it is about in the professional game, it’s about competing week in and week out.
“You want to make an impression in the environment, to make the team, but that is an enjoyable aspect of what you do. You push yourself every week.”
Dragons kick-off the new Guinness PRO14 season with an away trip to Munster in late September and Knoyle admits the publication of the fixture list has upped excitement levels.
“It makes it all feel a bit more real and it comes around very quick now,” he smiled.
“No game now is easy in the Guinness PRO14. Years ago you would look at your home games against some teams and think you could win them by a good score. There is no way you can do that now.
“They are all tough and the game is getting harder and tougher every year. The Guinness PRO14 raises the level every season.”
And Knoyle firmly believes new-look Dragons can make an impact when the new season explodes into life.
“I think we’ll be playing a different style to what we have been playing in previous years, in terms of both the offence and defence, so it is exciting,” he said.
“I’ve changed a few bits and pieces and I’m actually a bit heavier than I was, eight or nine kilos. The last time I was this heavy I was about 20!
“But I wanted to get to back to what I was. Maybe some of the injuries stemmed from being too lightweight.
“Rugby is a game with big people. I want to be a bit bigger and faster and be able to carry well.”
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I’m privileged to get up in the morning and go training... A new season is always an exciting time...
