Giving up a future in black was ending a boyhood dream, but for Charles Piutau, leaving New Zealand was more about his family than his own ambitions.
The 25-year-old played 15 Tests between 2013 and 2015, scoring four tries and never experiencing the sour taste of an All Black loss.
But a decision to accept an offer from British club Wasps was life-changing for the former Blues utility back.
"I really had to see the bigger picture," says Piutau.
"When I was in New Zealand it felt like the All Blacks were everything."
Piutau turned down a potential 10-plus-year career for New Zealand to ply his trade in Europe in a move that created some controversy.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was critical the move, believing Piutau still had a big contribution to play in New Zealand rugby, and the ultimate price for the Tongan-born player was missing selection for New Zealand's 2015 Rugby World Cup Squad.
New Zealand Rugby also refused to allow Piutau to play in the 2016 Super Rugby competition despite him being available in what was perceived by some as punishment for his impending move north.
Speaking to The Guardian, Piutau says that ultimately his decision to turn his back on an All Black career was an agonising one, but the right thing to do at that point in his career.
"It felt like you were going to play forever. You felt invincible. But, taking a step back, you realise it's such a short career," he says.
"For me, what really hit home was remembering everything my parents had done for me and my siblings.
"They left Tonga for New Zealand to give us better opportunities. And for me, coming here, I had the same chance to do something similar for my family."
Piutau is adamant that he would have given his all had he been selected for the 2015 defence of the world cup, stressing his exclusion was difficult to swallow.
He says he could have kept his deal to Ulster a secret, but felt he owed it to New Zealand Rugby to be open and honest about his future as the two parties were close to agreeing an extension at the time.
"That was the hardest point in my career so far," Piutau says.
"It was another dream to play in a World Cup and falling short was tough. But the Ulster offer came out of the blue.
"I was counting on my agent agreeing a contract with New Zealand and he had to tell me about Ulster the night before we were meant to finalise things. I was like: 'You've got to give me two weeks to think about this.' I wasn't thinking of coming overseas."
Piutau did head overseas and the results ultimately seem to have proved him right.
Nominated for Aviva premiership player of the year in his first season, Piutau has twice been named in the team of the season in his two-years in European rugby.
In August, Piutau signed a lucrative deal with Bristol that will make him one of the highest paid rugby players in the world.
It is a two-year deal, earning Piutau over NZ$1 million per season, which has been described as 'sensational' and one to send 'shockwaves' through world rugby because the 25-year-old should be at the peak of his Test career.
Despite the big money contract, Piutau still reflects on his short International career with pride.
"You miss it. But I've become an All Black fan now. I just cheer them on. You see guys you played alongside that are still doing well in the jersey and you're happy for them," he says.
"You dream about that moment for so long and so it felt surreal. At the same time it felt right and amazing.
"So I have great memories and I was lucky enough to have a perfect record. Played 17, won 17."
Piutau made his All Black debut in June 2013 against France, and won his 17th and last cap against the Springboks in July 2015.
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