Rob Evans column:

AFTER the disappointment of being ruled out of the PRO12 clash against Munster a couple of weeks ago I was absolutely gutted to be missing the first Welsh derby of the season.

There’s a great mood in camp at the moment and we’re all pushing each other on in training, it’s quite competitive too because we all want to be involved. The boys put in a big shift on Friday against the Dragons and to be fair to them they made life awkward enough!

I know from a forwards perspective the boys were much happier with the set piece performance from the previous week. They’d worked particularly hard in the week to put things right and were pleased with how it went last weekend.

I headed up to the Parc on Friday to support the boys. If you’re not involved in the matchday 23 you have to fulfill other matchday duties including visiting guests in the hospitality lounges and boxes and heading over to the Supporters Village to see supporters.

It’s always nice to get a chance to see the kids enjoying in the Supporters Village before games. It was also great to see one of my childhood favourite players Matthew J Watkins bossing it in the Phil Bennett lounge on Friday night!

I’m pleased to say that I’m back on my feet properly now after going over on my ankle a couple of weeks ago and I’m back in full training which is good news for everyone. I get a bit grump when I’m not involved so everyone else’s life is a bit easier now!

I took it easy on the weekend, enjoyed the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday – well done to the All Blacks on that phenomenal achievement of back to back World Cup titles!

Sunday was quiet and a very chilled day in readiness for a big week’s training. I put the fire on and watched some rugby. Happy days!

As we prepare for Leinster this weekend we’re six from six in the PRO12 and top of the table. Couldn’t have asked for more!