Nick Williams is looking forward to bringing his bulldozing brand of rugby to Cardiff Blues after arriving at Wales' Capital Region.
The powerful number eight pitched up at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park at the end of last month and began his pre-season preparations two weeks ago.
He is nearing a return to fitness following the shoulder surgery he underwent while at Ulster and it is hoped he will play some part in the summer friendlies against Newport Gwent Dragons and Bristol.
And he is relishing the opportunity to pull on a Cardiff Blues jersey with his new teammates.
He said: “I’m really enjoying it, the transition has been pretty easy for myself and my family.
“The medical staff are world class and are looking after me really well, and the S&C staff are the same as well.
“Hopefully if all goes well I will be back for pre-season if not the start of the season.
“I’ve always been playing against the boys so it will be good to play with them this time. I’m looking forward to chucking the blue jersey on and giving it a good crack.
“Ball-carrying is the reason I have been playing rugby for this long. I have been blessed with an armoury that I like to use and I’m looking forward to using it here for the boys in blue.”
There will be plenty of competition in the back-row this season with the likes of Sam Warburton, Josh Turnbull, Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi all vying for places.
Williams hopes that will drive both individuals and the team on to new heights and he is eager to join forces with Wales captain Sam Warburton.
He added: “I’m no longer the young guy in the back-row, I’m an elder statesman and hopefully we can bounce players back and fore.
“It’s a very competitive area and I’m looking forward to playing with someone like Sam.
“I’ve always heard good thing about him and watching him you can see he is a world-class player for the Lions, Wales and Cardiff Blues.”