Josh Ioane admits he underestimated how long it would take him to adapt to Irish rugby, and, in particular, getting used to the playing conditions in Galway.
The New Zealander joined Connacht last summer on a one-year deal from the Chiefs and last week signed a two-year extension.
The out-half, capped by the All Blacks in 2019, has had to adapt to a new artificial playing surface in a stadium that's undergoing major rebuilding works.
In addition, the 29-year-old is learning the hard way all about the famous Atlantic gales that sweep across the Dexcom Stadium.
He’s scored 45 points in 10 appearances so far but has struggled at times to judge the wind with kicks out of hand.
"It is a new way of playing, I probably underestimated that when I first got here," he said ahead of Saturday's URC clash with Ospreys (5.15pm, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).
"I was just trying to play the same but the style of play is different over here.
"There has been plenty of good and plenty of work-ons as well.
"Especially playing here in Galway, it can be quite windy, just the challenge of trying to adapt on the run, how we play, whether it's putting the ball in behind instead of keeping the ball in hand and trying to attack space, stuff like that.
"Overall, I'm pretty happy.
"When you are with the wind, it's really easy and when you are into it, it's really hard.
"Just being a bit smarter in those situations, trying to get the team out of trouble with the boot, I think I've had to adapt a bit more to that.
"This is my first time playing with the boys and their first time playing with me so I think we've built well and hopefully we'll continue.
"You just need time to build, to get the timing right and a better feel for it."
With a young family in tow – and a baby boy born in Ireland a couple of months ago – it's safe to say that the new deal demonstrates how welcome he's been made feel off the pitch.
"It's very pleasing," he said of his new contract.
"We came here from New Zealand and our goal was to be here for longer than one year.
"My family and I enjoy it here. It's a refreshing change from New Zealand, although the weather is quite similar.
"The people are really nice and the environment is good."
Ioane’s former boss Clayton McMillan (above) will join rivals Munster next season from Chiefs and the Auckland man reckons the arrival of the 50-year-old former policeman is a good fit for all parties.
"Very good coach, I had him the past few seasons with the Chiefs and he coached me at the Maoris," said Ioane.
"I think he'll fit in well. It's good for Munster and for himself.
"[He's] quite a stern coach, knows what he wants and quite direct, so I think he'll be very good for Irish rugby."
Watch Glasgow v Munster in the URC on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
Watch a URC double-header, Bulls v Leinster and Ospreys v Connacht, on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
Follow a live blog on Ireland v France in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday from 1pm on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra with second half commentary also on RTÉ Radio 1 from 2pm
Watch Scotland v Wales in the Women's Six Nations from 4.35pm on RTÉ Player
