SPRINGBOK ace Percy Montgomery flies into Britain early tomorrow morning saying he is fit, in form and raring to go for Newport.

The 50-times capped South African full back could well feature at Swansea in the Welsh League Premier Division on Saturday as he starts his two-and-a-half year contract with Newport.

And he wants to make an immediate impact, fresh from scoring seven tries in 11 games for Western Province in this season's Currie Cup competition.

"I've played in all the games for Western Province and the Stormers this year, I'm very happy with my form and I've been lucky enough not to have had any injuries," said Montgomery in an upbeat message to the Rodney Parade fans.

The past few days have been like a whirlwind as Monty makes the biggest move of his life.

But he is aware of Newport's poor form this season and took time off before his departure on the overnight flight tonight to speak to the Argus.

"I've kept in touch with Andy Marinos and Adrian Garvey, so I know about Newport's form," he said. "I'm not at all discouraged, you can easily turn negatives into positives.

"Everyone wants you to win, but to succeed one has to fail. The guys are not losing by much, it's just the way the ball bounces.

"Anything can happen, rugby is a funny game and you can turn it round just like that." And in a further pledge to Newport supporters he says:

"I want to try to make a difference on and off the field and I want to enjoy my rugby. The way to do that is by winning."

Montgomery has won the majority of his caps - the 28-year-old is the fourth highest capped player in Springbok history - at full back.

He has also been capped at outside half and centre and there is already plenty of debate about where Newport will play him.

Montgomery says diplomatically: "I'll have to see what the set-up is, but full back is my preferred position.

"But if you try too much you make mistakes, so I've got to fit into the team, that's the important thing. "I'll see where I can help Newport and use my strengths."

Montgomery is also aware that after Saturday the next time he can play for Newport is December 21 because of the November internationals and the Heineken Cup, for which he is not eligible in the pool stages.

"I know it's a long gap, but it's a great opportunity for me to work with the players and help get them on the winning track, strengthen my play and the team's," he said.

He is eagerly anticipating his move to the Northern Hemisphere, unswerving in his determination to join Newport from day one.

"There was a little bother over here and they didn't want to release me at first," he said.

"But I said I would come and I gave my word. They understand my situation here - what's the point of keeping someone who's not happy?

"I need to broaden my horizons and play somewhere different. I've played 80 times for Western Province and so need a new challenge," he added.