New Cardiff Blues signing Michael Paterson is settling in well at the Blues and can't wait for the first match of the season.
New Cardiff Blues signing Michael Paterson is settling in well at the Blues and can't wait for the first match of the season.
Speaking at the Vale of Glamorgan Training Centre, Paterson, said,
"I'm thoroughly enjoying my time so far and glad I've made the move."
"The players are all friendly and the coaches are great, so I'm settling in really well."
"The training facilities are fantastic, I don't think you can get any better, they are definitely on a par with what we have back home."
Having moved over from the Hurricanes, the big second row forward or blindside flanker has already had a chance to look around the city and is pleased with what he's seen in his new home town.
"The first weekend was a bit nuts, I went to the Paul McCartney concert at the Millennium Stadium, which is an awesome venue and saw Prince Charles and Camilla at the Armed Forces Day on the Sunday so it was quite a busy weekend."
"The weather has also been great, so I can't complain about that, and I'm slowly finding my way around."
On the rugby front the former Crusaders player has already been put through his paces in the gym and can't wait for the rugby season to start.
"We've been doing some line out drills and packed down in a scrum the other day so I'm slowly getting into it."
"We've been working hard on the conditioning in the gym and chipping away at that, putting money in the bank as they say, so when it comes to the matches we will be raring to go."
"It's nice to have a few of the Kiwi boys here, but the main reason I moved over was for a fresh challenge for myself, a new beginning, and a chance to see a different part of the world."
"New Zealand is a small place and you can get stuck in a bit of a bubble down there, so to come to somewhere like this is a bit of a dream at the moment."
"I kept a close eye on the team last year and it was great to see them with the Amlin Cup final last season."
"Hopefully, that form will continue into this season. I just can't wait to get out there and have a run out in the Blues shirt."
Michael Paterson and the rest of the Cardiff Blues squad will be taking part in an open coaching session at the Sports Arena at the Royal Welsh Showground on Wednesday 21 July, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
The Blues are inviting all their supporters to come down to watch the session as well as seeing the unveiling of the new shirt that the team will be wearing next season.
The Blues will also have a stand at the show with the Amlin Challenge Cup trophy on hand, giving supporters, young and old, the chance to have their photo taken with the cup. The Blues won the Amlin Challenge Cup in the south of France, with a memorable 28 to 21 point victory over Toulon. Commemorative merchandise and a DVD have been produced to celebrate the magnificent win and other merchandise and posters are also available for youngsters.