Redruth's new player-coach Rhodri McAtee insists he could not have warmed up for the new season in better fashion after helping Gloucester qualify for the finals of the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens series, writes Ryan walters.
The 28-year-old was called upon by Gloucester coach Rob Thirlby to represent the club after they were short of scrum-half options following injury and first-team commitments.
The Welsh Sevens star did not disappoint, helping the Cherry and Whites seal victories over Bath and Exeter Chiefs at Kingsholm to seal a spot at the Recreation Ground next Friday for finals day.
McAtee insists he is ready to start enjoying his rugby once more and intends to hit the ground running when the season gets up and running with Redruth.
He said: "I really enjoyed the tournament and we bounced back well from a defeat to Worcester and it was great to play in front of a packed out Kingsholm.
"I played with Rob (Thirlby) down at the Cornish Pirates and they were short at scrum-half, so it was an opportunity to come and play at Kingsholm and it was an easy decision.
"It is obviously very heated when we play Bath, two good teams, but it was a great start to the season and we were delighted to get the win.
"All my family live in Cornwall now, I have a good job and after going on loan to Redruth a while back it was a great club and it is a pleasure to now be a part of it.
"As a professional, the game is very intense so I am looking forward to getting back to just enjoying it and having some fun."
For tickets to the JP Morgan Premiership Rugby Series Final at 7pm on Friday, August 9, at The Rec, Bath visit: bathrugby.com/tickets
