Big Chief relishing his new challenge

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Romana Graham says he is “excited” by the challenge that lies ahead after he became the latest addition to the playing ranks at Sandy Park.
The imposing 6ft 7in, 117kg forward, who is Rob Baxter’s seventh signing ahead of the new 2013/14 season, has arrived in Devon following five years playing with the New Zealand-based Chiefs in the Super 15, as well as provincial side Waikato whom he helped lift the Ranfurly Shield last year.
An athletic forward, who is not only highly skilled and strong aerially, Graham’s capture provides the Chiefs with another experienced second-row option as he is also a current Maori All Black.
Commenting on his move to English rugby, the 27-year-old said: “I’m pretty excited to be here. It should be a good challenge ahead and one that I’m really looking forward to. I’ve been at Hamilton all my life playing rugby, so I thought it would be a good change to try something different and come overhere.”
Graham got his first glimpse of his new surroundings on Friday, as well as meeting up with his new team-mates for the first time, and the Kiwi ace was certainly impressed with his initial findings.
“I’ll be honest I didn’t know too much about Exeter or the club before I came over here, but every since we’ve sorted the move I’ve been looking on the computer at a few highlights and looking up things around the area and it all looks a pretty exciting place.
“Right now, though, I just want to get myself up and running and involved with the team. Coming over here, as I said, is a whole new challenge for me, but I think it will be good for my game.
“Obviously I want to try and improve my game a lot more whilst I’m here, but at the same time I also want to help the club and the team all I can.”
With just two weeks to go until the Chiefs kick-off their Aviva Premiership campaign at Northampton Saints, the former New Zealand basketball representative knows he has plenty to do in terms of learning and preparation.
“The style of game over here is definitely a bit different to that of back home, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it all,” he added. “I’ve watched some highlights of games and there are some big boys over here. It’s more forward orientated for sure, but I’m not going to complain about that too much, I just want to get stuck into the action.”
Graham, however, will have to wait for his first on-field involvement as he is only a spectator for today’s pre-season encounter at home to Bristol (3pm). He will watch his colleagues for the first time this afternoon as they look to build on last weekend’s win away to Scarlets.
Picture courtesy of Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency