With the Guinness PRO12 season opener now only days away experienced loosehead prop Phil John is embarking on his 17th season with the region.
The career Scarlet first represented his side, then known as Llanelli RFC, back in December 1999 as the club side took on Welsh rivals Cardiff.
Since his debut John has gone on to make 311 appearances in a Scarlet jersey, scoring 13 tries, and is very much looking forward to another season in West Wales.
Scarlets take on champions Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium this Saturday in the Guinness PRO12 opener, kick-off 5.15pm, and John says that having a game on the weekend makes training easier after what has been a challenging pre-season for the region.
John said: “It makes it a bit easier, you can see what you’re aiming for. You can prepare for the opposition you’re playing on the weekend and you know you’re going to be tested against what you’ve worked on over the pre-season.”
The Llanelli born and bred prop is yet to feature for the Scarlets during the pre-season as he’s made a return from a training field calf strain and will undergo a late fitness test ahead of this weekend’s PRO12 opener but John says he’s excited by the new season;
“I’m looking forward to it. The body is feeling good and I’ve worked hard over pre-season.”
Despite a tough opening challenge against the reigning champions Glasgow John believes that his side can be competitive during the opening block of the season whilst the international contingent are away at the Rugby World Cup.
He went on to say: “We did well against the Irish last year when they were missing internationals during the 6 Nations. It gives boys a bit of focus that we can still play together when the international boys are on duty. Having said that the opener against Glasgow will be tough I expect.
“This first block of rugby before internationals come back – that’s where we can put ourselves in a good spot. We have to make the most of that. Any points we drop early on will be tough to get back when every team is back to full strength. Hopefully we can stay up in the top section of the league.”
Tickets are on sale now for Scarlets’ home PRO12 opener against Ulster Rugby on Saturday 12th September, kick-off 3pm.
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