New signing Japie Mulder arrived at Headingley today raring to lead the charge for Premiership survival after a three-month break from action.

The former South Africa international attended his first training session with Phil Davies's Tykes this morning and was officially welcomed to the club this afternoon as the world's first international dual-code player.

The 32-year-old centre is fully rested after missing out on the Springbok tour of Europe last year and having started pre-season with Super 12 club The Cats back in his native country he is raring to get stuck into the Premiership survival chase.

"I have had a good three-month break and I am looking forward to my new challenge," Mulder told TEAMtalk. "I didn't go on the Springbok tour so I have had a good long break, with time for rehab, so I am in good shape. That is the first opportunity I have had in probably eight years to have a good break and so I'm feeling great."

Mulder arrives to find Leeds propping up the Premiership, however two or three good results could see them rocket up the table. However, Mulder does not see himself as a saviour but as another experienced head in a relatively inexperienced squad.

He said: "Rugby is a team sport now and Leeds' performance will be measured on the difference I make. But all I can do is pass on what I have learned in my 10 years in the game and use some of my expertise in rugby to help the club back up the ladder."

The dual-code contract has aroused suspicion among the league community as Mulder has no background in the sport however, this factor has not phased Japie, who claims he is looking forward to the new challenge when he joins up with The Rhinos in four months' time.

"I'm looking forward to playing league but I won't really know what it's about until we start. So as far as doing well in another completely different code only time will tell," he concluded.

Mulder will turn out for The Tykes this weekend when they face Newcastle Falcons on home soil.