Matt Garvey says the opportunity to link up with mentors Toby Booth and Neal Hatley was one the new Bath Rugby recruit could not turn down.
Garvey is one of four players to arrive at The Rec from London Irish ahead of the new campaign, with Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and David Sisi also heading west along the M4.
The 25-year-old got his first taste of Aviva Premiership action in the 2009-10 season, just months after former head coach Booth had led Irish to the Grand Final.
They have been unable to challenge for honours since, however, and Booth and former Irish Academy boss Hatley left the Madejski Stadium to join Bath as first-team coaches last May.
Irish finished ninth – two places below Bath – last term and when Garvey sought a fresh challenge he jumped at the chance to join up with the two coaches who shaped his early career.
"I think I had become a bit stale," said Garvey, who was called up to the England Saxons camp in 2012.
"Because I only turned to the game quite late, every year I had seen a progression in myself and I felt that had started to plateau off.
"The good thing about Bath was getting to work with Boothy and Neal again.
"I got a Saxons call-up a couple of years ago and those were the guys who pushed me to get into that white shirt.
"They bring out the best in me and the opportunity to work with them was very attractive.
"They know us individually and know how to press our buttons. Sometimes they need to take us in a room, sit us down and tell us to pull our weight.
"The proof is in the pudding – they have done it in the past. JJ has got England recognition, and Anthony Watson and David Sisi have just had a great Under-20s World Cup.
"It makes you feel good and it's a complement that those coaches want to work with you again. They are part of the reason we are here today."
Garvey made his name as a powerful second row but recent seasons have seen him develop his game to accommodate playing at blindside flanker.
He has operated from the back-row in Bath's pre-season programme and Garvey knows the talent amongst his new team-mates means he will be up against it to secure a regular starting spot.
"I used to say I see myself as a second row – I was more comfortable there because I had more game time there but in recent years I have played a bit at six and have enjoyed it," said Garvey.
"It allows me to do what I enjoy doing and what I think I am good at, like my carrying and my defence. It gives me a licence to go around the park and do that.
"Whatever position I'm in I've got to be good enough because the talent is awesome here."
