Aussie Hardy loves life at Leeds

Hardy played almost 50 games in Super 14

Leeds Carnegie prop Gareth Hardy says he is loving playing in the Premiership and going up against the best players in the world.

The Australia 'A' international joined Leeds in the summer and has already come face-to-face with the likes of Carl Hayman and Tevita Taumoepeau.

"It's been a very tough start, but great," Hardy told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I came here to play against the best props in the world and I'm loving doing just that and learning for it."

The 28-year-old moved to Headingley from Super 14 outfit Western Force and has also played for NSW Waratahs.

"It's a great opportunity for me to learn and improve. The only way you ever get better is to play against the best and that was one of my main motivations for coming to this competition," explained Hardy.

"Obviously the scrum area is very different in the southern hemisphere compared to the northern game, which has been well documented in international games.

"In hindsight it's been the best thing for me coming up against these types of players and that will hopefully improve me.

"I think the main difference between the southern hemisphere and northern hemisphere is that the season is much longer over here.

"I think that leads to many types of different games being played.

"For instance if you compare the Worcester game to the London Irish game they were two very different matches. In the southern hemisphere the same kind of game is played every week, so it is much more interesting to play here.

Hardy has only been in the UK for six weeks, but has quickly adapted to Yorkshire life.

"I love being here and am very happy here. My girlfriend is also really happy too, which helps," he added.

"I'm living just outside of Headingley, it's beautiful and just right. It's a great place, people are friendly and it's not too busy.

"The weather has been great too so far, although I've been told that will change soon."

Meanwhile Leeds head coach Neil Back has told BBC Radio Leeds that captain Marco Wentzel only has a "slim chance" of recovering from an arm injury in time for Saturday's trip to Northampton Saints.

Back has also confirmed that new signing Henry Fa'afili will join up with his new team-mates on Sunday, 27 September after gaining his UK visa last week.