Joe van Niekerk insists the team spirit at Amlin Challenge Cup Finalists RC Toulon is as strong as anything he has ever experienced.
The Springbok back row moved to France two years ago and played a central role last season as Philippe Saint Andre's men reached the semi-finals of the Top 14 and narrowly missed out on a first European trophy following Challenge Cup defeat to Cardiff Blues.
Critics had previously questioned the cosmopolitan mix of players at the big-spending French outfit, suggesting that the selection of multi-national stars would fail to blend and that money was a motivating factor in their moves, but van Niekerk and co proved their doubters wrong in some style.
"Last year a lot of people were calling us mercenaries and (saying) that we were just here for a payday" van Niekerk told Planet Rugby.
"But at the end of the day, the boys really created something special amongst each other. I've honestly never been around a spirit like that or the year before when Tana Umaga was the coach.
"It's a credit to the players who have come from around the world to play their hearts out and be part of the history of Toulon. There's a grand history here, the club has been around for many years.
"It's great to run out at Mayol stadium. I honestly feel like I am
Toulonais. That's the great thing about the fans here, they really pull you closer which makes you want to go out there and play for the jersey."
RC Toulon are now preparing for their debut season in the Heineken Cup, something which will also be a first for van Niekerk who has played Currie Cup, Super 14 and Top 14 rugby and appeared in the 2003 World Cup but has never featured in Europe's premier club competition.
And despite having been drawn in one of the most-competitive groups in the tournament's history, the 30-year-old is targeting a place in the knockout stages, together with a similar outcome in domestic competition.
But whatever happens when Toulon face London Irish, Munster and the Ospreys, you can expect van Niekerk to carry on smiling as he continues to enjoy what he believes are the best years of his impressive career to date.
"I've never played Heineken Cup rugby before but I think it'll be extremely difficult," added van Niekerk.
"We've got a strong squad and if we can make the quarter finals it'll be amazing. In the Top 14 we want to finish in the top four. But we'll be gunning on both fronts.
"I'm really happy at Toulon at the moment and I'm enjoying my rugby. It's probably been the most fruitful three years in my rugby career.
"Philippe Saint-André is a great coach and Toulon is a beautiful place and it all just gels into something fantastic."
