Departing All Black Ngani Laumape says his decision to play in France was made easier by NZ Rugby cutting his pay in their contract offer.
The explosive midfield will join Stade Francais on a lucrative three-year deal after the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition, dealing a blow to All Blacks midfield depth.
"It wasn't hard when I was offered a contract that was asking me to take less income," the Hurricanes juggernaut says.
"Once that came into perspective, I had to make the best decision for me, my family and my kids."
Laumape, 28, says there were no hard feelings toward NZR, but concedes the offer was "pretty disappointing".
"I think I offer something in the midfield that no other midfielder can offer in New Zealand," he adds.
"At the end of the day, it's a business, they did what they had to do, and I have to do what's best for me, my family and my kids."
A crowded midfield has thwarted Laumape's international ambitions since his 2017 debut and he was overlooked for the 2019 World Cup squad.
But Jack Goodhue's season-ending injury had opened the door for the 15-test All Black to play a bigger part in coach Ian Foster's plans.
Laumape has no thoughts about coming back to New Zealand, after finishing his stint overseas.
"There has to be mutual ground to meet in the middle," he says. "I'm going there, and all I'm thinking is to finish my career overseas and enjoy what it has to offer for me, my family and my kids.
"I just want to be happy again playing footy."
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