Darian Durant never pictured himself in a Bombers uniform until it happened.

“Being on the Saskatchewan side of things you kind of develop and hatred towards Winnipeg,” the former Riders quarterback told Bob Irving on 680 CJOB in Winnipeg, “The Labour Day classic is such a huge game for both provinces.”

The 35-year-old spent 11 seasons with the Riders, winning two CFL championships – including the 2013 Grey Cup, held in Regina – and finished with a 58-54 record in 113 starts.

Durant played in many Labour Day clashes between the Bombers and Riders in Saskatchewan and knows what it’s like to have the hometown crowd behind him. That will be switched around on Sept. 2 this season.

“I would’ve never thought in a million years I would be a part of it on the other side,” Durant said. “Sometimes you wonder to yourself what it would be like being a visitor during the Labour Day classic and I get to have that experience this year.”

He’ll probably enjoy the Banjo Bowl more, though.