All Black and Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith said in the end it was not hard to decide to stay with the sides for which he loves playing.
New Zealand Rugby and the Highlanders announced yesterday they had signed Smith for another two years through until the end of the 2021 season.
Smith (30), who is carrying an ankle injury sustained against the Blues on March 22, said happiness for him won the day in favour of a substantial offer from a Japanese club.
"It was an easy decision in the end. It just gives me the ability to look forward now and just focus on this year. I know going forward my focus is here for the next two years,'' he said.
"I'm really lucky and fortunate that I have a really happy life, getting to live out my dream with playing rugby, play in not a bad stadium, play for the Highlanders, got a small business and so I have got something outside of footy which is good for the balance.
"A lot of things are shaping up off the field which is great for us. My partner and I have a gym, we are expecting a baby, and I'm not really ready to leave.
"I'm glad it is sorted out and I can focus on having a big year this year.''
Smith is expecting a baby later this year with partner Teagan Voykovich to whom he became engaged last month.
The 82-test halfback considers Dunedin home now, and still has aims for the next two years.
"I've got a few properties here. The next two years I want to give back - help younger rugby players - help young halfbacks in the region,.
"I don't want any of our young halfbacks going away. Always good for our union and the Highlanders. One day I won't be here and I hope I can still yell and support them.
"I'm still learning and growing myself. I'm not the finished product and still got time and things that I can prove.''
He could be the first All Black halfback to play 100 tests.
"I have got a few goals I want to tick off and that [100 tests] is one of them. I'm definitely still hungry.
"Things are starting to line up off the field. There is more balance in my life and hopefully that filters through into my play.''
Smith, who has played 129 games for the Highlanders, is a long way from the rather raw player who washed up at the Highlanders in 2011. He said coach Jamie Joseph offered him a contract early in the 2010 provincial season
"You know Jamie Jo [Joseph]. I had two days to make a decision. The Hurricanes said we'll wait until the end of the season. It was a pretty easy decision to make. Mum and Dad said maybe it is time to get out of the bubble, out of my comfort zone.
"Jamie helped me express my game. He believed in me enough to let me go and play my game. I didn't have to get bigger, faster and stronger. I just had to use my unique skills to play Super Rugby.''
Negotiations to head overseas did not get too far advanced, he said. There was an offer from a Japanese club which was enticing but in the end the call to stay in New Zealand was too strong.
He had fatherhood to look forward to though the pregnancy, of course, comes first.
"Last two and three months I've asked guys what is to come. But no-one ever talks about the pregnancy. That has been pretty fun. You just bite your lip and take it. I can't wait for the baby to come.''