New South Wales Waratahs-bound South African lock forward Hendrik Roodt spoke exclusively to iafrica.com's Peter Murison about his move to Australia and how he is happy 'living for opportunities.'

The 21 year-old was plucked from obscurity by the Super 14 franchise last week but now, with pre-season training for next year?s competition getting underway in November, he is just about ready to make the biggest move of his young rugby career.

A former Blue Bulls and Leopards second row forward, Roodt left the professional game at the start of the year to take up the chance to work as a junior draughtsman in Johannesburg.

Determined to take up any great opportunity life threw at him, the former Lichtenburg School pupil had put his playing career on hold but now, after the Waratahs came calling, he's back in full training and working towards being ready for the next phase of his career.

Speaking to this website from his home in Pretoria, Roodt could not hide his excitement for his new journey, explaining how quickly the deal had come about and why it had been so easy for him to make the decision to relocate to New South Wales.

"I'm really excited, I just can't wait till I get there [and get started],

"It was lightning fast, they [the Waratahs] came out of the blue. I'm a guy who lives for opportunities and this is a big opportunity.

"The [draughtsman] work opportunity just came into my life and I took it. Now this rugby opportunity has come up again and I'm taking it. I'm excited, I can't wait to get back into the game."

Reflecting on his decision, Roodt said it had not been a hard one to make.

"I made it quickly. The decision wasn?t hard, I knew [straight-away] that I would be able to it. It's just my family and friends, I'll miss them of course but that's a part of life."

Turning his attention to his future side, Roodt described the 'Tahs as a 'developing team', but one which also demanded success.

Having finished fifth on the 2009 Super 14 log, the highest of any of the Australian franchises, the Waratahs only narrowly missed out on a semifinal spot because of their worse points differential in comparison with the fourth-placed Crusaders.

Knowing all of this, Roodt is well aware of the challenge which lies ahead of him but, at the same time, is confident he has the ability to make the step up and deliver in the Super 14.

"They're a developing team now. It's the best opportunity I've had since I started playing the game professionally.

"Like with any team, you can't just walk into a starting side, you have to prove yourself first.?

Roodt has still not formally sat down with any of the Waratahs coaching staff but has been in contact with their forwards coach, former Wallaby Michael Foley.

?Michael Foley called me one day, spoke to me. Wanted to know my type of game. They'd seen my videos and stuff so he just wanted to know if I was ready [for the challenge.]"

Standing 198cm tall and weighing in at around 120kg mark, the Waratahs have made no secret about the role which they foresee for their new recruit.

"He's got the size, he's got the talent, and being six-foot-six from the highveld of South Africa, he's definitely got the pedigree to play the role we want him to play for us," said Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey last week.

More and more in modern day rugby the role of the 'enforcer' has become a crucial one for successful teams. Martin Johnson, Fabien Pelous, Bakkies Botha and Brad Thorn are all second row forwards tasked with adding the physical edge to their team?s efforts.

So how does the young powerhouse feel about taking on this challenge? Is he up for it? You better believe he is.

"Yes, I am, because that's how I've always played. I've been the enforcer since I was eight years old - I don't know anything else. I'm good at that so that's what I'll do."

Seen as a young player with great potential, Hickey has already expressed his belief that Roodt could follow in the footsteps of Tiaan Strauss, Clyde Rathbone and Dan Vickerman, and one day represent the Wallabies at Test level.

While he says he definitely won't rule it out, Roodt is certainly not looking that far ahead. First and foremost on his mind is getting to Australia and making a name for himself with the Waratahs.

"I just live [one] challenge at a time. If the opportunity is right and I adapt to the Australian lifestyle maybe [it is possible.] Never say never. Maybe someday I will play for the Aussies."

Leaving his family and friends behind, Roodt hopes to be on his way to Australia sometime before the end of October. From then on, whether he is taking on fellow South Africans or even former teammates, it's all about the 'Tahs.

"We're just waiting for my visa but maybe in six weeks time, in middle of next month [I'll head over]."

"For me, I'm going to a professional setup and if you are in that team, that's all that matters. It doesn?t matter who your opponents are, you must do your best for the team."