HE is already proving to be a very popular member of the Colchester United squad.

And new U's defender Tommy Smith has seemingly endeared himself even more to team-mates, staff and fans following his unusual initiation.

It is tradition for Colchester's new signings to perform a pre-match 'party piece' of some kind, on their first away trip.

And the day before the U's 0-0 draw at Bradford City on Saturday, new addition Smith certainly came up trumps.

Smith spent many of his younger years in New Zealand and holds dual nationality.

The defender is as an established All Whites international, so it was perhaps a natural choice for him to perform the Haka - a ceremonial dance traditionally performed by New Zealand sports teams prior to competition - as his initiation.

Along with proving a hit with Smith's team-mates, it was also popular among U's fans on social media.

Mark Mason wrote: 'Should do this before EVERY game...what do the lads at #colu think' while Tom Flint wrote 'This is awesome!!!' and BootsAfrica wrote: 'Outstanding, welcome @tommysmith1990'

After later helping Colchester claim a hard-earned point on the opening-day of the season at Bradford City, they certainly had plenty to celebrate.