PADDY Woodney has gone from one unbeaten side to another after swapping Waikato for Warners Bridge.

The winger won the Premiership with Hamilton Marist back in New Zealand last season after winning 16 matches in succession.

But Woodney has now opted to sign for Southend Saxons who have still not lost since the opening day of the previous campaign.

And he is already enjoying being part of another in-form side.

“I played for Hamilton Marist and we won the Premiership which was awesome after 16 undefeated games” said Woodney.

“Now I’ve flown across the world to join another undefeated team which is pretty cool.”

Southend’s run of fine results saw them crowned Regional Two Anglia champions last term and they have kicked off the new campaign in Regional One South East with back to back victories.

Woodney has played a part in both those victories and already feels settled in his new surroundings.

“It’s been awesome,” said Woodney.

“I reached out to a few of the boys before moving over and had some chats just to make sure it was going to be the right kind of fit for me.

“They passed with flying colours and it’s something new for me as I’ve never been this far away from home before.

“The boys have really made it an easy transition though.

“I feel at home and everyone has been checking in with me, asking if I want to go for coffee and things like that.”

Woodney’s switch materialised after he made contact with ex Southend player Blair Morgan who now runs the ‘Run the World’ agency which helps facilitate rugby moves abroad.

And he believes it has come at just the right time.

“I got a bit stagnate with life back home in New Zealand and I wanted to see the world so I reached out to a few people through Blair,” said Woodney.

“He got me in talks with Southend and the rest is history.

“They looked after me and wanted to get me over.

“I’m loving it here now and I’m building new connections with the boys.

“It’s nice to train with them but you form a different kind of bond as soon as you pull the jersey on together.

“I’m creating lifelong friends and I’m grateful to be here.”

Southend will be aiming to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they host Sudbury this weekend.

But Woodney is remaining realistic with his own hopes for the campaign.

“I have no big expectations,” said Woodney.

“I just want to add something to a well established team.

“The boys have some awesome talent here and I just like to be another weapon they can use on the field.

“I want to be a good bloke off the field too and have a laugh with everyone.”

But Woodney has already noticed differences with how the game is played in England.

“It’s very set piece orientated,” said Woodney.

“Back home we like to chuck the ball around and have a lot of personal flair but the structure is what makes the difference over here.”

However, Woodney is proud to be with Southend.

“There’s a lot of history around the club,” said Woodney.

“It’s one of the oldest clubs in the world so it’s pretty cool to come and add my own touch on that.”

And Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward is also delighted to have Woodney on board.

“He’s brilliant,” said Ward.

“We went through Blair who used to play here and he has a really exciting project where he’s giving guys support and opportunities to play across the world.

“He messaged me about Paddy early doors and we had a couple of chats on Facetimes.

“We saw his playing credentials and his clips and off the back of some calls and chats we knew he would fit in well here."