For years, it seemed like nothing could get Jamie Mackintosh out of Southland.
The big loosehead prop racked up more than 100 games for the province and was a permanent fixture in the South. But now it appears the former Highlanders captain has caught the traveller's bug.
Mackintosh (31) has signed for a team in the United States to play in the new professional league set up in that country.
Mackintosh will play for the franchise based in the state of Ohio, in a five-team league that is set to start next month. He is currently signed with French club Montpellier, but only as injury cover.
The United States league has teams from all around the country and will go for 16 weeks, finishing at the end of July.
The American league is the latest port of call for New Zealand players looking overseas to continue their careers.
Former Australian dual international Timana Tahu has also signed to play in the United States.
Mackintosh first appeared for the Highlanders in 2007 and played 67 games for the franchise. He went to the Chiefs after the 2013 season where he played 22 games in two seasons. He was not wanted by any Super rugby franchise for the 2016 season and headed overseas.
It is unclear whether Mackintosh will be back to play for Southland in this year's domestic competition.
Mackintosh ended up playing 123 games for Southland. He played one test for the All Blacks, against Scotland in 2008.
His scrummaging prowess was often questioned and considered one of the reasons he did not go on to play more tests for the All Blacks.
