Stephen Archer is over 12 years a Munster player - and is convinced this is the most talented Reds squad he's been involved in.
Archer will make his 237th appearance for the province on Sunday, in the final Champions Cup pool clash against Wasps at Thomond Park, and is closing in on Donncha O'Callaghan's club record 264 games.
So when he says that this is Munster's strongest squad since he made his debut against Edinburgh in October 2009, people should take notice.
Asked what makes him think that the much-criticised Reds could go all the way in Europe this season, Archer replied: "Just the group of players we have.
"It's a phenomenal squad, definitely the most talented squad that I have been a part of while I've been here, because we have a good mix of world class internationals, good, hungry players and established, experienced players.
"So I just think that the mixture is there and yeah, hopefully we can produce that in the second half of the season and get silverware.
"We're definitely going in the right direction. New coaches will be coming in, it's kind of next season's problem and there are people above me with a lot more power who decide who comes in.
"I'm sure they'll do a great job getting the right people coming in.
"But we're firmly focused, first of all, on getting a win this weekend and then progressing to the knock-out stages and hopefully get some silverware at the end of the season to send the lads who are leaving away with good memories."
Archer can see why the province's two Heineken Cup wins, from 2006 and '08, can be perceived as a burden to carry for the current generation.
But the 33-year-old stressed: "It's definitely a motivation. Competing for silverware is 100% where we want to be and to be competing in these massive matches.
"Look, over the last eight years while we haven't got silverware, we haven't been too far off and it's just about making these improvements to get to these finals and winning them when we're there."
Archer was an unused sub when Munster last lifted a trophy, in the Magners League final against Leinster in 2011.
"I suppose I was naive and thought that this was going to be it every year," the veteran prop admitted.
"Unfortunately it hasn't been and just looking over the years now, I am disappointed we haven't got any more silverware.
"But I have this season and hopefully next season to add to that and hopefully get silverware."
Archer recently signed a contract extension for next term.
"It's been great," said the Corkman. "It's funny how quickly it creeps up.
"I felt like it was only a couple of years ago I was on 100 caps and then 200, time really has flown.
"My main thing is trying to keep looking forward and not dwell on it too much at the moment. I'm still playing so I don't want to look back, just keep trying to rack them up
"The body feels good, which is the main thing. Touch wood, I haven't had any injuries in the last few years so I think that's the main thing.
"If you look after your body a lot and week-to-week just try to stay healthy and make sure I'm right to get stuck in at the weekends."
And beating O'Callaghan's record? "It would mean a lot," Archer admitted.
"There have been so many great players to play with Munster, but then you see that Donncha O'Callaghan has also had about 94 caps for Ireland.
"So while it would mean a lot to overtake him, it's an impressive record in fairness to Donners. It would mean a lot to me."
