AS he comes to terms with being unemployed, Aled Summerhill admits he has taken a gamble, but is standing by his decision.
After more than a decade with Cardiff, the winger opted to leave the Arms Park at the end of last season rather than accept a reduced contract offer.
As yet, he hasn't secured a new club, but remains determined to continue as a professional rugby player and is open to all offers.
Summerhill's situation is an illustration of the financial issues in Welsh rugby where all four regions have had to reduce their playing budgets.
Detailing his experience, the 29-year-old said: “I had an offer from Cardiff, but I didn't feel it was in my best interests financially to accept it. It was a reduction.
“To be fair, Matt Sherratt (head coach) was transparent with me. I know the situation. Obviously it is tough at the moment.
“I have got no bitter feelings towards Cardiff. It's just how it is. At the end of the day, it's a business and I understand that.
“It was obviously disappointing to leave because I loved my time there over the years and they have done loads for me, but, at the end of the day, it's a job and I had to do what was best for me and my family.”
Summerhill, who got married to his partner Thea on the Greek island of Santorini last month, is now facing up to a new reality.
“At the moment, I am unemployed which is quite a strange feeling,” he says. “It didn't really hit me until I got back home from my wedding.
“I had ten years of pre-season at Cardiff. Now I haven't got a club.
“But I don't regret turning the offer down at all. I still feel it was the right decision for me.
“I have kind of taken a gamble, I suppose, but I would rather do that than just accept anything.
“I do feel glad I turned it down. I didn't feel like it was right. You have got to believe in your value and you've got to back your decision.”
So what now for the man from Rhondda, who scored 32 tries in 95 appearances for Cardiff ?
“I really want to stay in the game. I still feel good in my body and that I can offer on the field,” he says.
“It's quite challenging at the moment with the market. I am just looking and hoping something might come up, even if it's like a medical joker or if teams are recruiting late. I am open to all offers.
“I have just got to hold my nerve and hope something comes along. I am dead set on staying in the professional game. All my eggs are in that basket.
“I am trying to train as if I'm in pre-season. Obviously, it's tough doing it on my own, I can't do team stuff.
“But I am just trying to stay as fit as I can, so if something does come up I am ready to go.”
