In his first interview since linking up with Leicester Tigers from Munster, South Africa international Jaco Taute shares his first impressions of the club and comparisons to his former Irish team, explains why his new team-mates are "awesome" and who his new best friend is, as well as chatting about the enthusiasm and effort on show so far this pre-season and much more.

It's safe to say Jaco Taute is one happy Tiger.

More than a month in to his tenure at the club, the former Springbok looks like he's been here for years.

On the pitch, Taute is directing traffic and showing his experience in the game through his direction and chat. Off it, he is adding to every situation and scenario with his lively personality and huge character.

The transition from Limerick to 'Leicester Lad' has been seamless and the man himself agrees.

"It has been awesome getting to the know the lads and the set up," Taute told LTTV on location in Aldershot for a pre-season training camp out of an army training facility.

"Everyone has been great and friendly ... Tigers have been very welcoming and made it easier to do my thing."

One of three new South Africans to have joined over the summer, Taute is no stranger to one of his fellow new recruits in former Super Rugby team-mate EW Viljoen.

"We played together at Western Province ... he's a very good lad," Taute said of Viljoen.

"It's nice to see him and meet up again."

The 28-year-old came up against Tigers three seasons ago, even scoring for Munster in the European fixture, and discussed his experience as an away player at Welford Road with LTTV - as well as sharing his adoration for the club and similarities to the Irish provincial side he called home for three years.

"It's a club of similar values to Munster, where I played before," he said.

"Tigers is a club with a rich history and great fan base ... it's awesome to be here at a club I really admire."

Supporters watched on social media as Taute and his team-mates were put through a gruelling watt-bike session in 30+ degree heat, while away on the pre-season camp in Aldershot, and while speaking to LTTV following the session - still standing in the sweltering heat - admitted the opening weeks of the schedule had pushed the players to their limits.

However, said the tough and uncompromising training programme was one the players themselves had pushed for after an honest review of their own standards and performance last season.

"It's tough, pre-season is not the easiest time of the year ... but the lads have been working hard," said Taute.

"The team was really honest with each other about where we need ti improve and how we are going to improve.

"The only way is training really hard and pushing our limits."

When asked about the week-long trip south of the Midlands, Taute was glowing in his appraisal of the camp and chance to bond with his new team-mates.

"It has been awesome," he told LTTV.

"The lads get to know each other more in camps like this ... I'm getting to know the lads and they are getting to know me.

"It's really cool, something different."

Watch the full interview with Taute on LTTV above - including a hilarious cameo from Guy Thompson.