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Exclusive: I made my decision to leave Australian rugby almost two years ago. I thought it would be a great opportunity for my family and I to experience a different culture and lifestyle that we wouldn’t have had if we stayed in Australia. Rugby at that stage of my life was too much for me.
Mentally, I needed a break from the highs and lows that the sport brings you.
At that time in my rugby career, a lot of my family and friends thought that it was the wrong time for me to leave. They thought I would not have the opportunity of playing rugby at the highest level again.
But, instead, playing with my Japanese mates and watching them enjoy rugby brought back my passion and love of the game again.
What I learned of my time in Japan was not to take rugby and life for granted. Taking the field in Japan was very different – playing amongst high rises, factories and freeways was an experience.
And having 50-100 people watch a match was very refreshing!
At the back-end of Japanese experience, the opportunity came to return in Australia. This was a big decision for our family as my kids and wife were settled and enjoying their time in Japan. But I still had an itch to scratch in Super Rugby.
It was tough on my family, as we had to pack, relocate, and find another house in another country again.
I had a couple of teams interested in me and had a few choices for my return. Eventually, I chose the Melbourne Rebels franchise. The opportunity for a fresh start in Super Rugby was exciting and made me want it more.
I decided I was not going to take this opportunity for granted. I’d enjoy it and work hard to improve on and off the field.
Arriving in Melbourne was an easy transition. The Melbourne community has embraced the Rebels and I think are looking forward to having a rugby team to call their own.
Playing my first game back in Super Rugby in almost 24 months was a big thrill for my family and I.
I had to watch the first game loss game against the NSW Waratahs (43-0) from the sidelines. Having played 21 games in the last six months, it could have been a long year.
But when I finally started a game, against my old side the ACT Brumbies, it was a great way to begin my comeback.
We won 25-24 in the last minute. Playing my first 70 minutes in 18 months was enjoyable and rewarding at the same time.
I hope we have more wins and many great times ahead.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.