At the age of 26 Matt Banahan probably should not feel like an elder statesman but the giant centre does admit his role at Bath Rugby has expanded this term.
A year ago, front-row veterans Duncan Bell and David Flatman were still very much a fixture on the training fields of the club's Farleigh House base, while any thoughts Lee Mears had of retirement were a long way off.
Fast forward 12 months, though, and only full-back Nick Abendanon has been in Bath's first-team squad longer than Banahan.
The 16-cap England international arrived from Aviva Premiership rivals London Irish's academy in 2006 before quickly switching from a lock to the back division.
Now fully engrained in the fabric of the club – Banahan signed a new contract as recently as last December – he is relishing being one of Bath's new leaders.
"I've always been vocal and am probably even more vocal now," said Banahan, who could be fit for this weekend's Amlin Cup quarter-final despite limping off with a knee injury against London Welsh.
"I think Bendy's been here eight years and I've been here seven. We've both been here a long time and it's nice to be part of the family.
"Your role changes in that time, like when new boys come in you have to try make them feel welcome.
"And now it's one of these tough parts at the end of the season as some people know where they are going and some don't.
"Some other boys are coming in but we've got to make sure the boys who are leaving have a good end to the season.
"Luckily we've got people like Stuart Hooper and Francois Louw who bring the squad together.
"This is the business end of the season and we've got to keep working and doing well because if we stop now we don't achieve anything.
"We've got to keep going until the last game and hopefully get the outcome we want to make it a worthwhile season."
Maturing with age Banahan may be but it is hard to imagine him ever fully turning his back on his youthful nature.
"I am one of the practical jokers – there's a lot of them here but that's what you want, good fun people to be around," said Banahan.
"But at the same time my main responsibility is to keep my performances up to the same level they have been in previous years.
"If I'm looking after myself, hopefully people will be enjoying it around me."
