The South African starlet, who scored the opener on his home debut while on loan from Bath last season, will be back in Berkshire for the upcoming National One campaign – and is keen to build on his promising first outings.

He explained: “I’ve watched the Sale game back a few times and the crowd is a very nice confidence booster – to score on home debut and see the way the fans reacted excites me. I’m so happy to be back and can’t wait to get re-started.

“I love what (Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds) is about – his attitude to the game, what he wants from the players, and all the squad welcomed me.

“I get along with all the players, the coaching staff are amazing, and it was a clear decision to join, because sometimes when you’re a long way from home, having those friendships and people to talk to is important – I can’t wait to see everyone again!”

Having been born in Kent, Luke emigrated to South Africa aged four, his passion for sport clear from the outset.

He said: “As soon as I could stand on my own legs I was picking up balls – rugby, cricket, anything really, I was interested.

“Rugby started at Under 5 and it was always my dream to play, and also in England.

“It’s kind of in the family because dad (Brett) and my grandfather (Koos van Tonder) both played, but grandad was also a big coach who used to help organise Craven Week back in the 1990s and 2000s.

“Mum (Connie) was also kind of into rugby, she was a bit of a tomboy wanting to play it during breaktimes, so sporty as well.”

Luke was schooled at George, pre-prep, primary and South between 4-13, then progressing to Paarl Boys for secondary school.

Looking back, he reflected: “I was away from home boarding, and it was tough being away from family for the first time.

“But it’s one of the best rugby schools in South Africa and then I transferred to Paul Roos (Gymnasium) for my final two years – the last being where everything happened for me.

“It’s in an incredible place. It’s generated the most Springboks of anywhere in the country, so to be there was an honour and a little bit nerve-racking to be at such a high-end school where everyone is so behind you – the crowds can be 20,000-plus, it’s ridiculous.

“To then finish as top try-scorer in Craven Week, to be playing as much as I did, my confidence just grew and it was one of the best week’s of my life.

He continued: “Before our first game one of the Blitzboks (SA Sevens) handed out our jerseys to us and it was just a surreal moment.

“I love playing in front of big crowds and feel I thrive off giving them what they want to see, but also I met great friends from other schools – words can’t describe it and you have Springbok legends come to watch as well.”

Luke’s big break came representing Western Province against Blue Bulls in the final, leading to a sudden switch back to the UK at Bath.

He admitted: “The coach of the Bulls had been at High School with (Bath DoR) Johaan van Graan, he then got my mum’s number who passed my details on and then we were Facetiming - we spoke and I was very impressed, honoured to then be offered a contract.

“When I first got there I was incredibly nervous, coming from schoolboy Under 18 rugby to literally playing with most people who were full internationals.

“It was unreal, but they were very encouraging, and they just always wanted you to ask questions to help you progress.

“The knowledge they have is ridiculous and I’m privileged to say I’ve been there for three seasons.”

Injuries sadly affected Luke during his time at The Rec, most recently being ruled out for the season before Christmas with a hamstring problem.

But he believes he has grown as a person through his difficulties, commenting: “It wasn’t ideal – very tough not being able to play after I came over to the UK to do that.

“But sport is a mental game and it’s just something you must get through. It’s motivated me to get better, to get stronger, more time in the gym and focus on things I might not have if I wasn’t injured – I’m looking at the bright side of what I’ve been doing, rather than the negatives.

“I’ve been out for so long and just want to get the jersey back on and show the Ramily what I can do – I want to have a full season and get my name out among the fans, show them what I can do.”

And he ended by describing how he hopes to do that, Luke said: “I pride myself on my footwork, a side-step and the ability to beat a man, but the focus is every day, just getting better at everything, even if it’s something I believe I’m good at.

“Attack, defence, teamwork, whatever it is, I’ll be doing it.”