But having looked as though he was going to be a casualty of a summer of financial discontent at the Welsh regions, he stayed strong, kept in shape and finally earned a reprieve at Cardiff.
Having made the first of his now 42 senior appearances for the Blue & Blacks seven years ago, he was entitled to feel he had the necessary experience under his belt to begin to play the best rugby of his career.
To his credit, he refused to give up on his dream and is now reaping the rewards of his patience and perseverance. A Grand Slammer with Wales U20 in 2016, he then moved seamlessly into the senior ranks.
A centre by trade, he has expanded his repertoire to play on the wing, and was in sparkling form against the Bulls at the Arms Park in the agonising 18-12 defeat.
“I had a few good runs, but there were a few opportunities we missed that could have won the game for us. As long as I keep on getting games under my belt, I can keep on producing more performances like that,” said the 27-year-old Millard.
“I’m enjoying playing on the wing, although I do like playing in the centre. If I can keep performing on the wing, then I guess that might be my position.
“We’ve all been working on our speed in the off season, and it is showing in the games now. I get to use my speed a bit more on the wing.”
And that’s the point – there is so much more to come from him. Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt saw that and after what Millard described as “a scary four months” without a contract in the summer, he was finally offered a new deal.
“It was a pretty uncertain time because I didn’t know what I was going to do in the off season. I’m just grateful to Cardiff and the coaches for giving me the opportunity to once again showcase what I can do,” added Millard.
“As long as I’m physically and mentally healthy that’s all that matters. That allowed me to perform well even though I had four months off not knowing when or if I was going to get another contract.
“It was a turbulent time, but I got through it in the end with the help of friends, family and my fellow players.”
Being released meant Millard had to begin contemplating his future away from the professional sporting arena. That, he admits, was the scariest bit.
“The situation in Welsh rugby wasn’t great and I just had to be patient. Thankfully we came to a deal in the end,” he said.
“I had to weigh up all my options and even consider a life away from professional rugby. It was a transition that I didn’t want to have to make because I’m still pretty young.
“Merthyr was an option, but I was in talks with Cardiff as well. I just want to play professional rugby for as long as I can.
“It was sort of scary, but at the same time you have to deal with the cards you are dealt. The WRPA was helping us to find things outside of rugby, and I’d like to thank them for everything they did for me in the off season.”
