Lock ace Matthew Screech knows all about success in the EPCR Challenge Cup – and now he wants to write another chapter after his return to Dragons RFC.
The Men of Gwent are back at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening after almost two months away to tackle Section Paloise (kick-off 5.30pm).
And for Screech it will also be, in many ways, a second home debut.
The Wales international re-joined Dragons last month as injury cover for the rest of this season.
The 30-year-old – who has already clocked up 166 appearances for Dragons – is relishing being back at a club he calls home.
And the target on Saturday is another crucial win to ensure the club’s hopes of knockout rugby in Europe stay on track.
“We’ve had some great moments in Europe here. We’ve got to the semi-finals twice and were close to getting to the final when we played Montpellier away,” he said.
“We’ve had some big away wins, Pau was one of them back in the 2015/16 season, and we’ve always had a good run in the competition.
“To get three points against Lions has put us in a good position with our two home fixtures to come.
“We know what’s coming this weekend. We’ve had a bit of experience with some big boys the last couple of weeks and Pau will be no different.
“We’re looking forward to playing them again. We had some good times when we played them a couple of years go. Hopefully we can repeat that.”
On a personal level, Screech is looking forward to running back out at Rodney Parade and revealed how he has quickly settled back into life at the club’s Ystrad Mynach training base.
“It's been great to be back - I don't feel like I’ve been away,” he added.
“I’ve fitted back in. I’ve had a bit of stick, but I’m used to all that. I just laugh it all off. “
It is a happy place here. When I turned up the first day, I haven't seen so many smiley faces in a long time.
“Everyone enjoys coming to work and is open with each other.
“In meetings everyone will discuss, and players will lead, there is a lot more open conversation going on.
“I think our boys are enjoying that. Dai (Flanagan) has bought a good energy and vibe around training.”
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We’re looking forward to playing them again. We had some good times when we played them a couple of years go. Hopefully we can repeat that...
