Wasps back-row Nizaam Carr says he is feeling rejuvenated ahead of the Premiership season and delighted to be back in his second stint at the Ricoh Arena.
Carr impressed on a three-month loan deal last season, in which he featured prominently in the Premiership and Champions Cup for the Coventry side, providing a more than adequate replacement for the injured Nathan Hughes in the number eight jersey.
This season the 27-year-old will have another crack at Europe’s premier elite competition and at yesterday’s kit launch for the 2018/2019 season, it was quite clear that the Capetonian was relishing the occasion.
“It actually feels like yesterday,” Carr said of the last time he was at the Ricoh.
“I’ve got the same place I am staying at. as I was before. My wife has come over with me and I know a few boys at the club now so it’s easier for me to settle in at the club quicker.
“I am glad about that, I am glad to be back and I am looking forward to the season.
“My wife and my dad were here with me last time, it was nice to have him here as well. They’ve sacrificed a lot for me to get where I am today, to have them here is nice and pleasing for me. It makes it more relaxing and comfortable having her here.
“It’s easier to cook food now, I don’t have to run to Nando’s to get a healthy meal!
“My family is also coming to visit soon and I am looking forward to that as well.”
He is one of four high-profile Wasps’ signings, with Brad Shields, Lima Sopoaga and Ambrose Curtis also joining Dai Young’s side.
Carr might not have been able to get stuck in to pre-season training had the Stormers managed to advance past the group stages of Super Rugby.
The Cape Town outfit were not able to make the playoffs, meaning Carr is refreshed after a long break and raring to go.
“Unfortunately we were kicked out early in the tournament,” said Carr.
“But I had three weeks off, I feel rejuvenated, fresh in the mind.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with the family and they’re head over here too so I feel fresh and ready to go.
“Even though I played through the season, I only had five days off when I returned back in South Africa earlier this season and went straight back into Super Rugby.
“But that’s over now, that’s in the past, and I am looking forward to this season.”
Asked about the weather compared to Cape Town at the moment, Carr said: “It’s actually a bit cold in Cape Town, obviously with winter, so I am glad to catch some sun.
“I was actually surprised on my first night, the sun was still out at about 9pm and I am not used to that.
“When I was here last year, the sun was busy going down at 4pm or 4.30pm, it was gone, it’s nice!”