THE big kick-off is finally here but sadly I’ll have to wait another week until getting back out on the pitch.

After seven months out with a wrist injury I was looking forward to returning in our Guinness Pro12 opener against Connacht but sadly I suffered a late blow to my elbow.

That means I won’t be able to take part in Galway but I aim to be back in contention for selection next Friday so that I can be part of our first win of the season at Rodney Parade.

Having to wait another week is frustrating but it had been nice to return in the pre-season games against Nottingham, the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues after my operation last February.

The gym alone is not for me and I felt much happier when I finally had the all clear to resume training with a ball.

Pre-season was particularly tough for me – as it was six months long!

I’d never had a major lay-off during a season before and it was probably the longest that I have gone without a game of rugby since the age of 14.

This did have some advantages in that I was able to work on some of my weaknesses, mainly being size and strength development with the intention of gaining about half a stone.

That was something I achieved, and more! To aid the gain my schedule meant there was less running and double weights sessions to encourage lower limb development that will hopefully benefit me on the field.

There was a slight change to the usual schedule of being locked away in the gym and finding no rest on the sand dunes that we are all so used to.

Being in peak physical condition is essential and that’s the main aim of pre-season but building a team is often overlooked and can be just as important – when the tough times happen during a season the team will stick together and get through it.

Climbing the three peaks of south Wales was very hard work but the light at the end of the tunnel (not just at the Blorenge mountain) was a team barbecue and a few beers as a squad.

It may not have been America or Spain like some of the Aviva Premiership teams jet off to but getting away together is essential for team development.

The first game back is difficult for anyone, even with a full-pre-season of running under their belt.

Friendlies are useful to look at team plays and areas for development to make sure you are ready for the first ‘proper’ game of the season.

Having three good performances was great to take into a big away game at Connacht.

We’ve looked at the fine details, analysed and improved to try and make sure we have done everything possible to get a win in Galway, something we haven’t done for years.

Our team is looking better than ever with strength in depth in so many positions – something that will cause headaches for the coaches throughout the season.

Strong competition between the boys will be great for the region and the rotation during the pre-season games shows that nobody’s jersey is secure.

Joining the Newport management team is another challenge that I’ve taken on, which will not only develop my coaching abilities for one day in the future but will help my own game.

Seeing things from a different perspective and transferring some of the knowledge and experience that I get from the Dragons environment will hopefully add benefit to the club as we prepare to start our Premiership campaign at Neath on Saturday.