ROBBIE Fruean is aiming to give his rugby career a shot in the arm after making the switch from his native New Zealand to team up with familiar faces at Bath.

The 28-year-old utility back has linked up with his new side after completing his contract with Hawkes Bay.

Fruean, who has played for both the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in Super Rugby, has admitted that his career has gone stale in recent seasons with a number of injuries.

However, having seen the immediate impact former Crusaders boss Todd Blackadder and coach Tabai Matson have had at Bath, he is hoping he can progress in their slipstream.

“I got to the point in my career in New Zealand where I felt it was time for me to move on,” he said.

“The last couple of years has been a bit of a standstill, I haven’t really moved forward much and coming over here is refreshing.

“Because I didn’t play this season, I found myself in a position where I didn’t really have much pull in regards to trying to find a club.

“I had to take my chances with two coaches that I have worked with before and I definitely know I will be given a chance and that is what brought me here.

“I have worked with both Todd and Tabs ever since I started playing Super Rugby and I know them quite well.

“Seeing them here in a different light is even more encouraging because they are always learning and moving forward and I want to make sure I jump on that bandwagon and move forward with them.”

While Fruean is now on English soil, he is a few weeks away from seeing any action as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

However, the ex-IRB World U19 Player of the Year is happy to bide his time and has been impressed by his early days at Farleigh House.

“I have come over here with an open mind and I just want to make sure I play really good quality rugby and add value to the team, whether that is playing or on the sidelines,” he added.

“I can’t wait, just working with the medical team and the strength and conditioning team already in my first week, I have made some massive strides.”