JJ Hanrahan acknowledges it will be a ‘special game’ as he lines up against his childhood club – but he insists it is only the Dragons performance that has his focus.
Fly half Hanrahan will make his competitive Rodney Parade debut this Sunday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) as Munster arrive – a team that needs no introduction to Hanrahan.
The 30-year-old remains a legendary figure at the Irish province, where he scored 730 points in 138 games over two spells.
He will come up against Munster for the first time on Sunday afternoon, but he insists it is only his role with Dragons in his thoughts.
“It’s a special game. It’s my childhood club, the club that I've loved all my life growing up,” admitted Hanrahan.
“I’m still a big fan of Munster. But I’ve got to park any of that and do my job. I'm fully committed to Dragons so I'm looking forward to the battle.
“My personal history with the club is just a small element of this game,” he stressed.
“The biggest thing for us is what we're going to do as a team and a club. I’m not going to put myself ahead of the boys – it’s all about our performance.
“First and foremost, how we get on the field, putting 80 minutes together, staying in the fight, and the chips will fall where they fall.
“We're trying to build something here and we're looking forward to testing ourselves against a really, really strong Munster side this weekend.”
Hanrahan has revealed how Dragons have worked hard throughout the week to correct the errors and indiscipline that undermined the display at Edinburgh.
“We made it far too easy for them and, as players and a club, we really must put our hands up and say that's not good enough. It's not what we're about,” he said.
And looking ahead to Sunday, he believes turning Rodney Parade back into a difficult place to play is the priority.
“We have to make Rodney Parade a special place for us,” he said.
“I remember coming over to Rodney Parade when I was younger as a Munster player and it being one of the most difficult places to go on the road. We’ve got to get back to those days.
“Playing for this club is really special for the boys here and not winning a game at home last season really hurt them.
“It doesn't just stop with the players and the coaches. There's the staff, the people that work hard in the background, and Academy and nder age rugby guys.
“People should be proud here and we’ve got to hold that pride. When we get out on the field we are representing a lot more than just ourselves.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for the clash with Munster - CLICK HERE to buy online or visit the Ticktet Office on match day.
I remember coming over to Rodney Parade when I was younger as a Munster player and it being one of the most difficult places to go on the road... We’ve got to get back to those days...
