Liam Squire is loving his time in the South.
So much so he has put pen to paper and will be back for the Highlanders next year.
Squire (25), the abrasive loose forward from Tasman, announced yesterday he has signed on for the Highlanders for the 2017 season.
Squire arrived at the Highlanders at the start of this season - after two seasons at the Chiefs - but it already feels like home.
He admits it did not take him long to sign when he was given an offer to stay for the 2017 season.
‘‘I have just loved it here and been an awesome move. I have settled in really well,'' he said.
‘‘It has been a pretty easy transition. I think there are seven Tasman players here so that helps and everyone else has been pretty welcoming.
‘‘There is not a lot of difference between the Chiefs and the Highlanders, to be honest, but this just felt like the right move for me.''
He admits he is yet to experience a southern winter but is hopeful he will get through the cold months coming up.
His form has been good throughout the season and he has been strong on both attack and defence.
He had some issues with coughing up blood in the first game but that had disappeared and he is getting into some decent form.
He is getting some encouraging nods from those that matter on the sideline.
‘‘The coaches said just do what I do, which is quite good. I do not have to change too much, which is good for me.
‘‘It has been a pretty easy transition. The coaches have always got something new every week so that is exciting for me and the team.''
His game included a surprising turn of speed, displaying it when he raced 50m, burning off the defence, in last Friday night's match against the Force.
Squire though said it was more luck than good play.
‘‘I think I got a good bounce on the ball and managed to get a bit of a run-up.''
Squire credits his good form - not that he would admit he was playing well - down to some intense competition among the loose forwards.
With plenty of form players, no-one could rest on their laurels and not just during the game.
‘‘There is quite a bit of strong competition with the loosies. Which makes sure you have to perform the whole week. There is always competition at practice.
"So you have to put your best foot forward all the time to try and make teams on the weekend.''
Squire has been whispered of as a possible All Black contender but said he had not been thinking about that.
He was just concentrating on making the Highlanders match-day squad first, which was hard enough.
