Luke Russell has been impressed with what he has seen since he arrived in Fivemiletown to join Clogher Valley Rugby Club.
The 24-year-old New Zealander upped sticks and left Hawke's Bay in the north island of his home country and planted himself in the southern tip of Tyrone.
The teacher-turned-labourer feels there are similarities between his home club of Napier Pirates, which he captained and Clogher and he is hoping to help the Fivemiletown club continue their recent success when they get their All-Ireland League 2B campaign.
"To be fair, before I came over, I didn't know what to expect," who saw a post on Facebook looking for players and after discussions with the Clogher management teams decided it was the place for him.
It has been a warm welcome so far.: "Arriving in Fivemiletown, and it's obviously quite a small town. And the thing I really, really liked about it, is the whole rugby community, and the community as a whole, are just really welcoming.
"Everyone's heard of me and I haven't heard of them, so I'm getting a lot of waves. And 'how's it going, Luke', and yeah, just everyone's very welcoming and looking after me."
A recent opening night has also given Luke an insight into the club: "I sort of learned a bit more about the last few years.
"I'd heard a few things, but I didn't realize the steps that they have actually made in the last couple of years.
"It is exciting to be a part of a club that's making moves and it's very similar to my club back home.
"We were pretty average for a few years, and then the last couple of years we were a lot stronger. So similar in that sense, and it's more exciting than anything to face some new challenges.
"You can tell amongst the boys everyone is excited for the coming season."
Clogher have been in competitive action in the Senior League and beat Omagh in their most recent game.
They get into AIL actions when they host Dublin side, Wanderers, this Saturday at the Cran.
Russell is likely to line out at inside centre for Clogher. Having converted from a No.8 to a back, he does not have any intention of moving back into the forward pack.
On what he will bring to the team from the 12 position he said: "My strengths would probably be running through people, rather than around people. I'm not the fastest 12, but like a bit of a battering ram. And defence is definitely a strength, leading a defensive line, with big shots and a lot of chat."
While 2B is another step up for Clogher, Russell believes the performance against Omagh is a good starting point for this league campaign.
"The first couple of weeks [of the season] were a bit rusty, he explained.
"I think things weren't what the boys were expecting of us to start the year.
"But last week against Omagh was a lot better. Things started to click. Little passes actually were sticking and felt good.
"Especially defensively. We're working hard and coming off the line. And Clogher, we're quite a small team, so it's all about the heart and working together to beat teams.
"It really came together last week, and hopefully it continues to build as we head towards the AIL."
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