The 34-year-old may have announced his retirement from rugby recently, but he sounds anything but downbeat.

Instead he exudes enthusiasm and excitement in almost everything he says, in particular when talking about his new job as forward’s coach at the academy.

Perhaps that should not be surprising seeing as Danaher clearly has, and always will have, Irish in his heart.

Having made his Exiles debut in May 2000, he went on to make 275 appearances for the club, falling just short of Justin Bishop’s record of 280.

He is a true one-club man and there is no doubt that he is looking forward to the next chapter spent at Sunbury.

“The decision to retire was made about eight weeks ago,” he explained. “I tore my tricep off the bone and it would have been four or five months recovery and only really to come back for a few games, so it made the decision a bit easier.

“It has been quite emotional but it was the right time to think about the future. Smithy [Brian Smith, director of rugby] kindly offered me the academy role and there is no better place.

“It’s full-on but all about the time and effort you invest. I love going to watch the games and see the guys in action. I think that’s half the battle, if you are enthusiastic then it rubs off, and I’m excited about the future.” Certainly there is plenty for Danaher to be excited about.

There is the new training complex that is just around the corner, the new owners of the club and also a new batch of signings who look as though they will significantly strengthen the squad.

Danaher says he is looking forward to seeing where the club is going and hopes they will take a step forward after a couple of tough years.

“The club is in a good place, we have been disappointed with the results lately but we were tipped by a lot of people to go down this year. I think it’s all about building now for next season,” he said.

“I am excited about the academy guys coming through as well, there is the current crop, then the crop after that. Hopefully in a few years you will see five or six in the first team. It’s about building and it’s an exciting time at the club.” Asked whether there was a part of him that considered carrying on to break Bishop’s record, Danaher, who is married to Bishop’s cousin, joked: “It would have been good to beat Justin Bishop so I could wind him up but second place is not bad.

“There was part of me that wanted to break the record but I have never been a stats man, it was always about the pride of playing and pulling on the jersey.

“My decision was made about a year ago, it was always coming and the injury just meant it was a little bit earlier. I am better putting myself into the academy coaching and I had to think about myself and my future too.” Speaking about his future, Danaher also added that he has no plans yet to think beyond his job at the academy.

“A lot of people have asked me but I am not thinking about a director of rugby or coaching role at the moment, I am focused on the academy and looking forward to it,” he commented.