Connacht's Jack Carty has embraced competition from David Horwitz for the No 10 jersey this year - so much so that he has welcomed the Australian into his house.
Horwitz, who joined the province from Super Rugby side Rebels over the summer, is staying with Carty while he waits to move into his own accommodation.
"Davy has moved in with me for two months, until his home becomes available," Carty told RTÉ Sport.
"It's been great to have him. It's good to have fellas in the same position that you're mates with.
"There are certain clubs and sports where fellas that are in the same position don't get on as well.
"But it makes it that bit easier when you have fellas you can train with and do your eckers (exercises) with.
"He's a good cook as well so he cooks the dinner in the evening!".
The Westerners have underachieved since their breakthrough Pro12 success in 2016 - the following season they finished eighth and last year were ranked 11th of 14.
Carty is determined to get back to winning ways this season, starting at home to Glasgow on Saurday, and help Connacht work their way back into the Champions Cup after an absence of two years.
"It was positive in certain facets, we made history winning all the home (inter)provincial games, but in easy games for us we left points," he said.
"I think we owe it to our fans to bring back the success we've had over the last couple of years.
"It's a huge month, September, against Leinster, Scarlets and Glasgow.
"It's important for us to get off to a good start and if we do that, you'll see us hopefully in European rugby the following season and maybe play-offs."
Last year's poor results cost Kieran Keane his job after just one season. Carty says the players feel they owe new head coach Andy Friend for the faith he has shown in the group so far.
"As a group we've gone back to basics. We've looked at those one or two percenters that we can used for our benefit.
"For me personally, he's given me confidence that he'll back whatever decisions I make in terms of the pictures I'm saying.
"As a whole he's given the playing group a lot of confidence and it bodes well.
"Hopefully now we can go out and repay the dividends that are owed to him and what he has given us."
