You can take the Fumi out of the Highlanders but the Highlanders still had their piece of Fumi.
Fumiaki Tanaka, the cheeky and dashing Japanese halfback who played for the Highlanders for four seasons from 2013-16, was back in the South in the weekend and loved being back on familiar ground.
Well, it was slightly different from the smooth field of Forsyth Barr Stadium but Tanaka did enjoy his hit-out at Invercargill on Saturday night, turning out for the Sunwolves and putting in his usual high-energy effort.
He was playing his 50th game of Super rugby, having racked up 46 games for the Highlanders in those four seasons.
Tanaka said after the game it was a tough match, both physically and mentally.
Speaking through an interpreter, he said there was the odd confrontation with his former team-mates.
``It was very hard on attack. They were coming through all the time. On defence it was better than last week,'' he said.
``I was hoping to put pressure on them and put some pressure on Nuggy [Aaron Smith]. Him and Joe Wheeler, they tried to get me.
``In the ruck, he [Wheeler] was hugging me and I tried to get away and he kept me and I had to try to get away.''
Wheeler and Tanaka cut a bit of caper throughout their time together in Dunedin and enjoyed an escapade.
Four seasons in Dunedin had allowed him time to get to know Dunedin and he said he was missing the city.
``Just the Highlanders, the players and all the coaches.''
Tanaka (32) said the Sunwolves were busy trying to establish a team.
``It is tough but it is different excitement from being part of the Highlanders team.''
He was aiming for the 2019 World Cup in his home country and was focusing 100% towards the tournament.
Japan was now coached by former Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and Tanaka said Joseph was still very committed.
``He is the same. His philosophy is the same because the players are different but they are improving, which is good.''
Tanaka now has two children and his wife, Tomomi, had come over with him to New Zealand and would spend some time in Dunedin.