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Amanaki Mafi Settling Well Into Life At Bath Rugby
Swapping Japan for Somerset, Amanaki Mafi arrived at Farleigh House following a hugely successful rugby World Cup. With two starts under his belt so far, including both a try and man-of-the-match performance, the Tongan born back rower is enjoying a fine start to life in Bath.
A somewhat silver lining in the fortunes of the Blue, Black and White of late, Mafi's recent imperial performances against Worcester Warriors away, followed by Wasps at the Rec appeared to breathe a new air of much needed confidence back into the Bath set-up.
With frequent game time in his home nation following the World Cup, Mafi arrived in Somerset raring to go, and admitted his first impressions of Bath have been nothing but positive.
Speaking during his first media session at Farleigh House since joining the club, Mafi told gathered UK and Japanese press of his first impressions.
"Exciting, I came with my wife and she really likes it here," Mafi began.
"The first time I arrived I thought it (Farleigh House) was a castle, and then I was told it was the club house, so that's fantastic," he added.
Mafi's debut came on a blustery day away to Worcester Warriors, in which he greatly caught the eye along with fellow debutant Adam Hastings.
Mafi recorded the most carries for Bath in the clash, and imposed himself in all areas of the field. The big back row however did admit the game was somewhat of a challenge as a result of the adverse Worcester weather.
"It was pretty tough due to the weather, it was very windy and cold. But maybe it was a start for me to get used to it," he said.
The Japanese international made the second most carries in the Aviva round 12, showcasing his clear ability with the ball in hand.
When asked about this early achievement, Mafi said: "I like my rugby. You give me the ball and I run, that's all."
The move to Bath signalled a huge change for the Tongan born number eight, who admitted he was ready to embrace a new challenge.
"It was a challenge for me to come here. For me I chose to come here because all of our boys are going there, to the super rugby, so I just come here (to Bath) for a new life, new challenge. I like challenges.
Asked whether he would like to extend his future with Mike Ford's side beyond the summer when his original short term contract is due to run out, Mafi remained coy.
"I always thought I would return to Japan," said the number 8, suggesting that this could perhaps be set to change depending on his form in the colours of blue, black and white throughout the remainder of the season.
The 2015 season stood as somewhat of a game changer for Mafi and the whole of Japanese rugby, who put themselves on the sporting map following some majestic performances - most prominently the iconic win over giants South Africa.
"Before we came to the World Cup no one really knew us, even the Japanese people," Mafi explained.
"But after the World Cup it was a different story. It's really amazing that Japanese rugby is on its way up now, so we are happy.
"We host the next World Cup and we try to do our best and be proud to play rugby," he added.
Relive Amanaki Mafi using his brute force to bundle a try over line for Japan against the USA in the 2015 World Cup:
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