Hooker Richard Hibbard is looking forward to tucking into a feast of rugby on Judgement Day – as he plans to cook up a storm both on and off the field next week.
Hibbard is set to win his fitness race to feature in a mouth-watering Guinness PRO14 clash with Scarlets at the Principality Stadium.
However, the former Wales ace also has a big event on the menu away from the sport – as he opens a new café in Port Talbot on Wednesday.
Hibbard will have some tasty treats on offer at his new venture with wife Louise – The Hideout Café - in the Aberafan Shopping Centre.
And he knows rugby-hungry fans will also be able to sink their teeth into an unforgettable afternoon of action when Judgement Day explodes into life.
“It’s good to have something away from the sport and I’ve decided to open a café in Port Talbot. It’s called The Hideout Café,” admitted Hibbard.
“You are always looking for things post rugby and something to take your mind off it, because it can be 24/7.
“I wanted something different and I’m excited about it. It’s been a learning curve, I didn’t realise how hard it is, but luckily I’ve met some good people along the way who have pointed me in the right direction.
“I’m not sure I’m a barista just yet,” he joked. “(Jason) Tovey makes my coffee here and I haven’t made one all year – but suppose I’ll have to learn!
“We’re doing a few big meals like the Hideout Burger and Hideout Breakfast – I like a good burger so I’ve definitely got one that sorted.
“It’s very rustic. We’ve recycled some old school tables, it’s different, and I’ve enjoyed it. I haven’t made many of the design decisions - I’ve left that to Louise my wife thankfully!”
As for his rugby diet, Hibbard knows a win on the final day of the campaign will taste all the better for fans eager to secure another Guinness PRO14 win.
“Days like Judgement Day are a perfect advertisement for rugby in Wales,” he said.
“You get to see all four regions in one day in the international stadium – what more could you want as a fan?
“We’ve got teams looking for Champions Cup rugby next season so it’s huge.
“It’s a big occasion for us too. We want to finish the season with a win and finish strong.”
As for the long-term prospects at Dragons, Hibbard remains upbeat about the future.
“We’ve been in games for 60 minutes the whole season and we’re not quite doing the full 80,” he said.
“I believe, and so do the coaches, that is all our own doing. Our mistakes and errors, when it shouldn’t happen.
“It’s down to us to sort that and I really believe that winning breeds winning. What we need is a couple of wins, back-to-back, and that will show the boys the standards we must set.
“Everybody can win one day and then lose the next three. It’s about winning and winning consistently.”
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Days like Judgement Day are a perfect advertisement for rugby in Wales... You get to see all four regions in one day in the international stadium – what more could you want?
