The Cardiff Blues star will captain Wales for the first time today against Ireland at Principality Stadium.
And he says he will lead by example in what will be head coach Warren Gatland’s final home game before departing at the conclusion of the World Cup.
“It is a massive honour,” said the 28-year-old.
“I’ve had loads of messages from people, which is nice. My family are ecstatic as well, and it will be nice to lead the team out.
“Gats came up to me after a units session and asked me would I like to lead the team. It’s something you can’t turn down, really.
“I will try and keep the emotions down. It’s another game of rugby, but it’s obviously nice to lead the team out, embrace the moment and then get into it.
“I am not much of a talker, to be honest. Hopefully, I can lead from the front, and everyone else will follow.
“You have got Alun Wyn, Ken Owens and Jonathan Davies, who are massive figures in the team, and it’s something that I’ve never thought I would come across – I thought just getting the red jersey is enough – so it will be nice.”
Gatland has made 14 changes to his starting XV in what will be the final chance for many to impress ahead of Wales’ final World Cup squad announcement on Sunday.
And Navidi is confident his players will concentrate on the task at hand against an Ireland side who will be smarting after suffering defeat to England at Twickenham last weekend.
“We’ve had a good week to be honest – there are still positions up for grabs,” he said.
“It’s nice for Owen Lane and Rhys Carré to get their first caps, and nice to share that with them. There is plenty to play for and opportunities for boys to show what they have got.
“The boys need to go out there and do the job. That’s the best way to do it, think about the game and let Sunday take care of itself.
“Ireland will be hurting after losing to England. They went to Twickenham and England put a good performance in.
“They come here with a strong team – hopefully the boys are ready to go and we can bring it on Saturday.”
