Jayden Spence was torn about joining French club Bordeaux for a second stint.
The 24-year-old Kaikorai midfielder has made 49 appearances for Otago and has some good memories in the blue and gold strip.
That "weighed heavily'' on his mind when he was considering his playing future.
But Bordeaux shaped as a more secure option and, in the uncertain world of professional rugby, that was what swung the deal for Spence.
He signed a one-year deal "a few weeks ago'' and will leave sometime next week.
He enjoyed his time with Bordeaux last year and always told himself he would jump at the opportunity if it came up again.
"I didn't really jump. I was toing and froing,'' Spence said.
"I was approached by their president over there about a month ago and he said he was keen to have me back.
"We'd sort of been talking for a while and [I] had been back and forth with the Otago coaches as well. I just ended up deciding that France, for me at this stage, would be a good option.
"After Otago I haven't got anything secured. Otago is done in three months and then after that I could be in no man's land, so it gives me a bit more security for another year or so at least.''
The lure of potentially extending his contract with Bordeaux made the offer all that more attractive.
"I felt I could further my career more there than I could here as far as progressing through the ranks and staying in teams longer.''
Spence, who will be joined in France by his long-term girlfriend Kate Davidson in November, has a wonderful opportunity to leave Dunedin on a high.
He has been instrumental in helping Kaikorai reach the premier club final, against Dunedin at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
Kaikorai won its last eight games, including back-to-back wins against University A, to make the final. It has also beaten Dunedin twice this year, so ought to start as warm favourite.
But the season got off to a disappointing start with a 33-7 loss to Southern. Harbour proved too strong in round five and University A thumped Kaikorai 62-17 in round eight. Then there was a second loss to Southern which left the campaign teetering.
"I guess it just took a wee while for us to gel and sort out our combinations,'' Spence said.
"But Lee [Allan] coming back and the addition of PG [Paul Grant] bolstered our squad and definitely helped.
"But all and all I think it has just been a good team effort. Everyone wants to play for each other and that is what it comes down to at the end of the day.''
Fullback Tony Ensor and lock Blair Tweed complete an impressive group of five players Kaikorai can rely on.
Young prop Jonah Aoina has enhanced his reputation, while winger Matt Jones scored twice in the semifinal win against University A and utility back Danny van der Voort has been one of the unsung heroes.
Kaikorai last won the senior banner in 1997 and, for Spence, a win on Saturday would be a nice way to finish.
As for that 50th game for Otago, well, "it's not something I'm giving up on, that's for sure''.
"I hope to get it in the near future.''
