Once the youngest player ever to pull on a Scarlets jersey, Ioan Nicholas has quickly become one of the elder statesmen in the ranks.
Nine years ago in Jersey, the Pontyberem product memorably made his senior debut for the club at the fresh-faced age of 17 years and 134 days.
Fast forward to 2024 and he is heading into his 11th season in the squad.
“A lot of senior players have left, lots of experience, it’s time for boys to step up. I am only 26 but it seems as If I am one of the older boys now,” says Nicholas in an interview with Sportin Wales magazine.
“There is a lot of exciting talent here. Obviously, I work closely with the backs, Macs Page is coming through, Jac Davies played well for Llandovery at the end of last season and scored some great tries before being unlucky with an injury. New boys have come in as well, they are great blokes and bring a lot to the table. It is exciting.”
Scarlets continue their pre-season campaign in Leicester on Saturday. Fellow Premiership big-hitters Saracens follow, before the opening URC game against Benetton in northern Italy.
“That’s the one everyone is looking at, everyone is looking to make their mark in training to be involved in that one,” added Nicholas, the supporters player of the season for 2023-24.
“It is about being proud of our performances, delivering that 80-minute performance so the fans can enjoy it, we can be proud of it and we can start getting those wins along the way.”