Timoci Nagusa has become a favourite with the Ulster fans

Winger Timoci Nagusa says the Ulster squad is ready to make its mark on the European stage ahead of Friday night's Heineken Cup opener against Bath.

"We want to put Ulster's name on the map across the continent and across the world and the way to do that is to win Heineken Cup matches," said Nagusa.

"This is the biggest stage in club rugby in the northern hemisphere and the players want to prove themselves.

"If we do well in this competition, people will sit up and take notice."

The Fijian winger is enjoying his second season as part of the Ulster set-up and scored a fine try in the Irish province's impressive 45-24 win over Llanelli in the Magners League last week.

"This is a very big year for me and I am feeling much more settled after having 12 months to get used to my new surroundings.

"Last year everything was new to me and it was my first season in professional rugby and my first year away from home.

"In the professional era there is a lot of expectation on players to perform to a high level every week, and also to maintain a high degree of fitness and strength."

Nagusa credits the Ulster fitness trainers with playing a significant part in his upsurge in form this term.

"I have worked a lot with the strength coaches in the gym and I have to thank them for all their hard work and advice.

"I've put on some weight so I feel a lot stronger and it has helped my game in defence and attack.

"I've learnt a lot from the new coaching team too and they help each player in a very personal way, always pushing the players to go forward.

BJ Botha says he can still improve in every facet of his game

"My wife has been over for a few weeks recently too and it is nice to have her here, although she will be going home in November.

"She's getting used to life in Northern Ireland - but not to the weather," said the 22-year-old, who has become a favourite with the Ravenhill crowd if the rousing reception afforded to him last Friday night is anything to go by.

"I love the Ravenhill crowd and I appreciate the ovation they gave me when I came off during the second half against the Scarlets," he concluded.

Meanwhile South African prop BJ Botha is relishing another crack at taking on Europe's elite in this year's Heineken Cup.

"There is a huge emphasis on this competition right across Europe and Bath are a massive side and a formidable team.

"We have to take advantage of the fact that our first match is at home and start with a victory," said Botha.

"As a squad, we are happy with how the team has been competing in the Magners League, and we've managed to put some consistent performances together.

"As an individual player you are never really happy with your own form and I know I can still improve in all facets and move forward."

Botha admitted that there was "a little bit of extra injection" in the squad's training ahead of the Heineken Cup curtain-raiser but added that the players could not afford to get caught up in the pre-match hype and hysteria.

"We have to approach every game in the same professional manner and continue to do the things that we have been doing.

"We must carry our Magners League form into this European campaign and stick to playing to our strengths," he said.

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