But having returned to earn his first win for the Italian side against Munster last weekend, the centre admits he finally feels part of the family at Stadio Monigo, relieved to have finally contributed on the pitch.
The 31-year-old had spent his entire professional career with the Golden Lions in Johannesburg, but his move to the RaboDirect PRO12 side started in the worst possible fashion after he suffered an elbow injury in a pre-season friendly against London Wasps.
And after six months of rehabilitation, la Grange admitted watching from the sidelines was restricting his ability to build vital bonds with the squad.
But with three RaboDirect PRO12 games now under his belt and two tries to his name, including one in the 34-10 victory over Munster, la Grange insists he is establishing himself in a team firmly on the up.
"Obviously spirits are high at the moment. We have a lot of belief coming back into the team especially after responding to two defeats in such a fashion," said la Grange.
"I was looking forward to the first victory as a Treviso player and for me personally I have my own goals but to win a game on my return from injury and get my form back was so important and I am playing better with each weekend.
"I tore something in my elbow and have been out for six months. I was playing in a warm-up game against London Wasps when it happened and I have been through a lot of recovery but right now it feels good.
"It is hard to not be playing in a new team. I had been with the Lions all my life but I am really enjoying it here and now that I am on the field I feel part of the team.
"I'm just happy to be able to play for the club because that is when you develop that friendship with all the guys which is especially important in a new team.
"It is a lot different for me here to where I come from in South Africa and Treviso are just the second team I have played for in my career so it is a big change after ten years with the Lions.
"But I'm having the time of my life and it just a relief to be able to give something back to them after so long out."
Treviso's form had stuttered somewhat since the turn of the year after their squad became depleted as a result of Italy's participation in the Six Nations - no less than 14 members of the Azzurri's match-day squad against Wales were affiliated to the club.
And despite facing league leaders Ulster this weekend, la Grange insists those that have filled in have proved worthy replacements as his side look to achieve their highest ever RaboDirect PRO12 finish.
"We had a little talk and plan about what we want to achieve now but we are really just thinking each game at a time and making sure our feet are on the ground," he added.
"After the win over Munster you can imagine how quickly you can get excited about things but we won't be doing that.
"We lost almost the whole team to the Six Nations but the guys who came in their place showed great character and what they were made of. Everyone has stepped up and that is exciting for the club going forward."
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