Former All Black Jeremy Thrush may have thought his days of tackling the Crusaders were over.
Yet Friday night he'll run out in the blue of the Western Force, in their World Series clash with the red and blacks in Perth.
The 12-Test lock has signed a two-year deal with the former Super Rugby side, after three years with Gloucester in the English Premiership.
Thrush decided to pursue other options with former Lions coach Johan Ackermann keen to bring some South Africans into the Cherry and Whites' team.
"I just started to look around Europe and then my agent got hold of me and said the Force were looking as well.
"It kind of took my interest with what they were doing and being a little bit closer to home, so it all went from there," he told Newshub.
The 33-year old's been in Western Australia for just over a week now, and is quickly settling into his new lifestyle.
"It's been really good, everyone's been really inviting.
"It's a good mix of a few experienced boys and a lot of young guys that are probably fresh and new to what professional rugby and the setup is all about, so I guess we're kind of learning on the go a little bit."
While the Western Force have slipped off the radar somewhat after their axing from Super Rugby, the World Series is proving to be hit.
They sold out their stadium for their opening game against the Fiji Warriors, and racked up a win against Tonga, before losing to the Melbourne Rebels.
"I've gone out with a couple of guys for lunch and some people have stopped us on the street and said they're loving what's happening here."
Inviting the Super Rugby champion Crusaders to town is also creating a buzz. While it's a second string team, there's plenty of big names involved, including Wyatt Crockett and Israel Dagg.
"It's awesome being able to come up against teams like the Crusaders. This is my first game here, but being able to mark yourself against a team like that and see how we're trucking and getting along is pretty good."
Thrush isn't sure what his future holds, with the move to the Force a chance for him to give back to the game.
"I'm further down the line in my career now, the big thing about coming over here was to be able to help some of the younger guys, and give them any tips along the way."
Thrush also hasn’t closed the door on a possible return to New Zealand rugby either.
"Obviously I'm always interested in NZ Footy and maybe coming back at some stage but I'm really enjoying myself at the Force.
"I've got two years here, and we'll see what happens after that."
Newshub.
