All Blacks lock Ali Williams has been familiarising himself with his new temporary home in England, the Nottingham Rugby Club.
According to the allblacks.com website, Williams, who is recovering from a second Achilles tendon rupture, is to play up to four games for the side as he attempts his recovery ahead of the Super 15 season in New Zealand.
Williams missed all of the 2010 season in New Zealand after suffering his second injury in a practice match for the Blues.
Williams told the Nottingham club website: “Already I can tell this is a great home stadium and I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in some key games in January.
“It was really good to meet up with the squad yesterday evening and I’m sure I’ll fit in well.
“I can’t wait to get my boots back on and try and make a real impact for Nottingham,” he said.
The Nottingham side faces two crucial games in the time Williams is with them, a game with Premiership side Bristol on January 9 and another with Munster on January 14.
Nottingham chief executive Glenn Delaney said Williams’s presence would be a boost for the side.
“We had some good momentum which was halted by the snow, but with the boost of having Ali we know we (can) reproduce the same levels of quality and continue our three-match winning run,” he said.