At age 42, Jason Rutledge is the oldest player in modern provincial rugby history.
The veteran hooker has been a 'Mister Fix-It' for Southland, both on and off the field, but his outing against Waikato on Sunday, could be the 143rd and last for the Stags.
A plumber by trade, Rutledge thought his provincial rugby days were over several seasons ago, until his beloved Southland sent out an SOS.
So it was time to strap on the boots again at the start of the current Mitre 10 Cup campaign, making Rutledge the oldest player in modern provincial rugby history.
"It's a pretty cool record I suppose," Rutledge tells Newshub.
"I'm sure here's a lot of other 42-year-olds that have given up, but are now thinking they should've stayed on a little bit longer."
Rutledge made his debut 20 years ago and was at the fore of a golden age for Southland rugby, when the Stags had two reigns with the Ranfurly Shield in 2010-11.
And the love for the Stags hasn't diminished since being called back into the squad this year.
"You never lose that adrenaline when you're on the field - like it's pretty cool to be out there - and we've had some pretty close and tight battles over the last few weeks."
The games have gotten a bit tougher for Rutledge, who's now 8kgs lighter than he was when he last played in 2016.
"These boys have got bigger and I've got a bit smaller, so yeah, just make sure I get fired up before I go out there make sure I'm ready for battle."
And playing with guys half his age is a bit of a struggle too and a fresh reminder just how old he is.
"I've played rugby with two of their dads so it's a wee bit awkward I suppose."
Rutledge's return has inspired Southland to two wins in their opening three games of the Mitre Ten Cup.
But he can feel his inspirational comeback coming to an end. ¤W8 36 ]]
"I'll just be in there for as long as they need me.
"The boys are starting to come right so it may be all over soon, I'm just not too sure."
But if there are any jobs to be done in the future, don't count out another Rutledge comeback.