He has had his French sojourn and now Jayden Spence is keen to get back in the blue and gold jersey.
Spence, who turns 24 on Friday, is keen on a big season for Otago this year, having decided to come back home rather than play in France.
He spent the off-season in France, playing for the Bordeaux club, and said although he could have remained in Europe, he wanted to get back and play for Otago.
''They were pretty keen to keep me on but I wanted to come back here and play. I wanted to have another crack here,'' he said.
''Cory [coach Cory Brown] approached me and I was missing home a bit, like everyone does. I don't feel like I'm too old to ever go back. There is plenty of time on my side to go back one day.
''I did not play much for a start. They did not give me a crack, really. I was just grinding away. But they gave me an opportunity against Clermont. They gave me a start there and I was then lucky enough to start every game after that.
''We just missed out on the top six by a hair. That is the best the club has ever done. They were pretty rapt.''
The club qualified for the European Challenge Cup, after beating Gloucester in a playoff game.
Spence said the rugby was of a high standard.
''It was quite ferocious and fast. There are big, tough guys over there. Some of the best guys in the world play in that comp, so it is hard. The quality of play is pretty high, which was beneficial for me.''
He played in front of large crowds - 36,000 at home - and said the games were very intense.
It all seems a long way away from when Spence was out for most of the club season two years ago with a heavy concussion.
Playing rugby in France seemed a distant dream for him then as he was laid low with constant headaches and ringing in his ears.
With so much focus now on head knocks, Spence said he has had no lasting effects from his concussion.
''I think I was just a little unlucky. That's rugby. You're going to get a few head knocks. I feel fine now. Had nothing since.''
For now, he is concentrating on doing all he can to make Otago a force in this year's ITM Cup.
Winning the Championship - and earning promotion to the top tier - is the goal. Otago finished 13th overall last season and an improvement is needed in many areas.
Spence, who would prefer to play centre but will play anywhere the side needs him, said how Otago performed in Saturday's opening game against Canterbury at Forsyth Barr Stadium was vital.
''I think it is important we start well and the way we start and enter our first game this week against Canterbury is going to be very important. Nothing beats hard work and everyone has got to be on same page.''
Spence has one big incentive to play well. He has played 39 games for Otago, and if the province makes it to the semifinals, and he plays in every game, he will bring up 50 games for Otago.
''There's a big motivation there straight away. Not many players have done it. To be able to do it is pretty special.''
