It's been as tough a season for Byron Ralston as you can think of. After suffering a long-term knee injury against Munster last October, it was confirmed that Ralston would be out for the remainder of the season.
He underwent surgery in early December before entering into the rehabilitation process which is expected to take around nine months. Speaking to the Galway Advertiser before his planned surgery, the Aussie admitted that he is "devastated" but believes that the new facilities at the High Performance Centre located directly beside Dexcom Stadium will ease his recovery.
"Now to have the gym and physio room so close by, it just makes the process really easy. It makes it enjoyable and exciting to come in every day and be around the lads," he said.
"I've been in Brisbane with the Reds, and with the Western Force and the facilities here are second to none," said the 23-year-old.
"To have everything under the same roof and to have food provided for you, all you have to worry about is prepare and perform.
"The recovery facilities, the icebox, the sauna, all second to none. It really sets you up and makes coming into work more enjoyable. Lads are hanging around the facilities until five o'clock at night, doing work on the laptops. Boys are coming in early having breakfast.
"That's where the team gets connectivity and team identity is really born, where you can really start to hang around each other and start to grow," added Ralston.
Occasions like the upcoming fixture against Leinster are matches that professionals live for. Ralston is "so jealous" of his teammates, but will be in the stands at the new Dexcom Stadium rooting for his team to get the job done.
"Leinster at home, opening the new stand like that, I'm so jealous the lads get to play that match," said Ralston.
The new Clan Stand will have the capacity to house 6,500 fans bringing the total capacity of Dexcom Stadium to 12,000. Ralston is looking forward to welcoming 12,000 fans "screaming their heads off".
"I'm so excited myself to be able to watch that from the stands. It will be a great day."
Ralston believes that the scope to grow the game of rugby in Galway is massive as a result of the new Clan Stand.
"I think it's unreal to get everyone in there supporting you. People who aren't fans of rugby will be coming as well because it will be a spectacle. And you know we have to live up to that as well and kick on.
"It doesn't add pressure but it's unbelievable to be able to play in front of that many people who actually care about the team and to get new fans in to grow the game here in Galway and Connacht."
Although Saturday will come too soon for Ralston, his focus is fixed on the road back and the opportunities that lie ahead. With the support of world-class facilities and a tight-knit squad, the 23-year-old is determined to return stronger than ever.
For now, he will watch on from the stands at the new Dexcom Stadium.
