Wellington and Hurricanes rugby prop Tim Fairbrother has opened the door to representing Australia by signing a two-year contract with the Western Force.
Fairbrother, 27, turned down offers from Europe to join the Perth-based Super 14 franchise, where his contract begins on June 1.
The tighthead prop is eligible to play for the Wallabies through Australian grandparents but said he hadn't spoken to Australia coach Robbie Deans.
"It's definitely crossed my mind but you can't think too far ahead," he told NewstalkZB.
"All I'm thinking about now is playing well, because if I don't, I'll never get that chance".
Fairbrother made his Hurricanes debut in 2003 but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, mainly due to the presence of All Black Neemia Tialata.
"I'm getting to that age where I think I've done my apprenticeship now and I want to start and play full-on all the time," he said.
"It's my time to shine I suppose." Fairbrother will replace another New Zealander at the Force, former Chiefs prop Ben Castle, who has signed with Welsh franchise the Newport Gwent Dragons.
