The contrast between the Stade de France and Rodney Parade is striking but it didn’t matter one iota to Luke Crosbie.
After featuring in Scotland’s final World Cup clash against Ireland in Paris, Crosbie’s return to club rugby with Edinburgh arrived at the Dragons famed ground on the banks of the River Usk.
From 80,000 spectators and the attention of millions to humble surroundings in Newport, Crosbie was just delighted to be back doing what he does best amongst mates.
“It doesn't bother me,” Crosbie said on the comparison. “Genuinely I don’t really get nervous playing in front of big stadiums. It doesn’t really change for me - I just enjoy going out there and playing with my teammates. It doesn’t actually change what I do on the field, so I look at it like that.
“Doesn’t change me tackling or carrying or knowing my set piece. I was just really excited to be back with Edinburgh, my boyhood club, and get a win in the first game of the season.”
Boosted by some international stars, Edinburgh mounted an impressive comeback to clinch their first away win in the URC for a year against the Dragons in their season opener.
There was never any question that Crosbie would return quickly after talks with head coach Sean Everitt and the 26-year-old feels in the best shape of his career.
He added: “You can tell he [Everitt] cares about the players and how they feel, so he was really open and communicated with us individually and as a group as well.I don’t like taking too long off: a week is probably long enough and then I’d be doing my own training anyway.
"So it’s quite good to have one week off then straight back into it while I’m in one of the best shapes I’ve been in, and then I’ll take it from there if I get another break down the line. I just feel in good shape to go out there and play.”
Edinburgh welcome the Lions to the capital in their first competitive home game of the season on Saturday as they look to build on their impressive start. Several Scotland stars will be available including Hamish Watson, Blair Kinghorn and Duhan van der Merwe.
Fiji won hearts across the world in France with their exhilarating performances and patriotism. Bill Mata featured prominently for the islanders and Crosbie is delighted to re-join the powerful forward in Edinburgh’s back row.
“You can see how passionate Bill is playing for Fiji, and when he comes in to play for Edinburgh he’s so passionate as well,” Crosbie said.”I personally love playing with him, all the boys do - you see how much energy he puts into the jersey whether it’s Edinburgh or Fiji.
“He’s happy to be back around the group. He’s just his normal self - quite chilled, giggling away and happy working hard as well - if you don’t get on the wrong side of him, that is.”
