Kristian Dacey has got his sights firmly set on challenging Ken Owens for the Wales No.2 shirt this season.
The 28-year-old had surgery on a long-standing groin problem after returning from the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand and made his club comeback for Cardiff Blues on Saturday.
His return to action coincided with the club’s first Pro14 win of the season, a 17-15 victory away at Connacht, and the Merthyr Tydfil-born forward was delighted to be playing again.
“It was a case of getting out there and seeing how my groin was,” said Dacey.
“To play 60 minutes was a big confidence-booster for me.
“It all starts here with the Blues. It’s about keeping my jersey here first and foremost. Hopefully then I can get a few more caps and push Ken for the No.2 shirt.
“You’ve got Ken and Scott Baldwin who have been mainstays in that squad over the last few years.
“Then you’ve got myself, Elliott Dee, Ryan Elias; all boys who are pushing for places.
“There’s massive competition. I guess it’s going to be case of whoever plays the best gets that call-up and it’s up to me to perform for the Blues.”
The 6’2’’ hooker was one of four Welshmen, alongside Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davies to be called into the Lions squad following Wales’ match against Tonga this summer.
And Dacey, who’s made four appearances for Wales so far, is using the experience to drive him forward.
He said: “Obviously, I didn’t get on the field [for the Lions] and that’s something I want to strive for with the next Lions tour and with Wales.
“It has definitely whetted my appetite for more. Everything was fine detail and for me to see that was next level really.
“The stuff I learned out there, I can hopefully bring back to the Blues and put into practice.”
