Mike Ruddock welcomes Chris Latham to Sixways

Worcester Warriors' latest high-profile signing Chris Latham has arrived at Sixways and says he is looking forward to life in the Guinness Premiership.

The former Australia international full-back told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "The transition here has gone smoothly, so we're very pleased.

"The family is extremely happy with the town itself and what it has to offer so that's the first hurdle," he added.

Latham is hopeful of making the opening game at Northampton on 7 September.

The 32-year-old arrives at Sixways as the ground and surrounding area is rapidly changing, with a major new car-parking and roads infrastructure and the multi-million pound construction of the east stand.

Latham says it is impossible not be impressed by the work being done at the club.

"The development that is going on here, with the new pitch and the stand going in and the direction in which the club is heading, means it's all very exciting."

It's got a very similar feeling to Ballymore in that the crowd feels as though it is going to be on top of you, so you're going to be up close and personal with them. Chris Latham on his new Sixways home

The former Queensland Reds star says the decision to further his career in England was the biggest he has ever made in his life.

"It was massive, and it took a while to sink in. It was very difficult to leave the Reds as I had been there for 10 years.

"It was my home and it matured me into a man and I guess for that security reason it was very difficult to leave."

Latham admits he had never been to Worcester before agreeing to join the Warriors but says he was sold on the vision of both Mike Ruddock on the field, and Cecil Duckworth and those working hard off it.

He said his first impressions of the Sixways playing surface and surroundings were very favourable, not least because they put him in mind of his spiritual rugby home.

"It's very exciting as it's got a very similar feeling to Ballymore in that the crowd feels as though it is going to be on top of you, so you're going to be up close and personal with them.

"Hopefully I'll be able to do some good things on the paddock and show a little bit of what I was able to do with the Reds."