BEN Tapuai has said that the warm welcome from his new Bath teammates has helped him settle into less than favourable weather conditions.

The 27-year-old was announced by the club as their latest capture at the beginning of November, having made the switch from Perth-based Super Rugby side Western Force.

The Melbourne-born centre joined his teammates for training last week and despite having to endure some miserable weather, said he was ready for a change in environment.

“The boys have welcomed me with open arms, which makes the transition easier from the other side of the world and I am just learning day-by-day,” he said.

“It is definitely different styles but you have got to adapt and just go with it.

“Obviously the weather plays a big part but you have just got to adapt.

“I’ve been playing at the Reds for all of my rugby career so it was definitely a time for a change.

“I am getting on with my age as well so I just wanted to experience something different.

“That’s why I love rugby. I’m just this kid from Melbourne and now I’m playing over the other side of the world and I am definitely humbled by it.”

Tapuai was thrown straight in to the heat of a local derby last Friday as Bath scraped past struggling Bristol and said he was taken aback by the intensity of the home crowd at The Rec.

“I have never seen such a passionate crowd,” he added.

“I have heard a lot of stories about being at the Rec but being a part of it was pretty special.

“Getting a win was important and now we are moving forward towards another challenging week against Harlequins.

“I’m just looking to playing consistent footy week-in-week-out.

“It’s good having the different competitions, it keeps you on your toes and it’s important that the squad has that depth.

“Everyone is fighting for their position and that can only be a good thing.”