In the end, Patrick Osborne said it was not hard to throw his international future in with his homeland.
The devastating cyclone which hit Fiji in February was the catalyst for Osborne to decide to wear Fijian colours in the future.
Osborne (28) made plenty of movements off the field earlier this month, when he signed to play for Japanese club side Kubota Spears, and then pledge his international future to Fiji.
He also signed on for another season with the Highlanders in 2017.
The Japanese move was a chance to see something new for his wife and family.
"I am looking forward to the new challenge. Me and my family are just excited to take on the new adventure,'' Osborne said.
"[Coming back to Dunedin] was not really a hard decision to make. We like Dunedin and we just thought would take up another challenge. Japan was closer to home too.
"My family and I really love Dunedin and are thinking we would stay here for the rest of our lives. I would love to sign long term.''
Osborne, who has played 48 games of Super rugby, was born in Fiji and grew up in Suva.
He moved to New Zealand as a young adult, was seen by Canterbury while playing in Wellington and his professional career was launched.
He has had stints at the Chiefs and Crusaders but has really prospered in the South.
But throughout the trips and appearances he never lost the love for where he was born.
"My dream as a child was to play for Fiji. I guess playing and being called into the All Blacks and stuff drew me away from that dream. But later on I really realised I wanted to play for Fiji.
"I think the cyclone really wanted me to do something for Fiji and the best thing I could do was play for Fiji.''
Cyclone Winston caused widespread damage in Fiji, devastating villages throughout the country, when it struck in mid-February. None of Osborne's family were injured but he still felt for his fellow Fijians.
Osborne said he never thought he would make the All Blacks although he had trained with the national squad in 2014.
"When I first got called into the All Blacks I thought it was a joke. But before then my goal was to play for Fiji. Even though I got called into the All Blacks I thought there was no chance of me playing. I just wanted to learn as much as possible. It is a world class-environment.
"I never thought I would be an All Black. There were too many talented players ahead of me.''
He will head to Fiji after the Highlanders play the Hurricanes this Friday night.
Fiji plays Tonga, Samoa and then Georgia in the June test window.
But before that the Highlanders have the match-up with the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Osborne said the predicted poor weather on Friday would be a factor.
"The Hurricanes are a very good team ... they will be coming out full force. The final from last year does seem a long time ago. We've put that behind us.''