Highlanders halfback Kayne Hammington plays for Manawatu and wants to learn from the best - his provincial team-mate Aaron Smith. So he moved to Dunedin.
All sounds a bit strange but such is the structures of modern rugby where players come and go and search for contracts.
Hammington (25) has always moved heaven and earth to try to get on the rugby ladder.
He was born in Wellington and was always the small guy growing up. But he had fire in his belly and a decent pass to boot which saw him play for the St Pats Silverstream First XV.
But he never made any representative sides.He was first noticed at a colts trial and then made the New Zealand under-20 side which won the World Junior Championship in Argentina in 2010.
In this team were players who went on to the black jersey such as Julian Savea and Tawera Kerr-Barlow. But for Hammington the climb into full time play has taken a bit longer.
He was in and out of the Wellington team for a couple of years before heading to Manawatu in 2014 to try his luck.
That was the year when Manawatu won the provincial title and Hammington was to the fore. He got picked up as an injury replacement the following year for the Chiefs and joined the same outfit - again as injury cover - last year.
But when the Highlanders came calling at the end of last season, the 1.7m tall Hammington jumped at the chance.
An opportunity to work with one of the world’s best halfbacks was too good to turn down.
"I know Nuggy [Smith] back in Manawatu. He has given me heaps of pointers and he has helped me lots with my game," Hammington said.
"He is probably the best halfback in the world, so no better option to model your game off, especially for someone my size, which is not too dissimilar to him."
Smith, who is listed as 1cm taller than Hammington, is keen to help out his team-mate but Hammington admits he is a hard player to replace and match.
"I just think my pass could be a bit quicker. Obviously, Aaron has got one of the best passes in the world, so if I can get anywhere around that I would be pretty happy."
Coming on was not easy but he was getting used to it.
"We have talked about that, rather than personally trying to make an impact, just slotting in seamlessly more than anything. Just making a smooth transition."
Hammington, who has signed a two-year deal through to 2018 with the southern franchise, will want to keep that transition going tonight as the Highlanders take on a Brumbies side buoyed by two straight wins.
Showers are forecast in Canberra today and it may come down to discipline on both defence and attack. The Highlanders have the attacking weapons to win the game but need to contain the Brumbies and not give them a sniff.
It is not going to happen just because the Highlanders are not playing a team from New Zealand. They know that and less errors in all facets of the game will be the difference.
Highlanders v Brumbies
Canberra, 9.45pm (NZ time), tonight
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Sio Tomkinson, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Fletcher Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks, Matt Faddes
Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kyle Godwin, James Dargaville, Wharenui Hawera, Joe Powell, Jordan Smiler, Chris Alcock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Blake Enever, Nick Mayhew, Robbie Abel, Allan Alaalatoa. Reserves: Saia Fainga’a, Scott Sio, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Tom Staniforth, Lolo Fakaosilea, De Wet Roos, Jordan Jackson-Hope
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Highlanders key man
Richard Buckman: The Barracuda has made a solid if slightly unspectacular return from injury and playing in Japan this season. But he will be a key tonight at second five-eighth. His subtle play could be a big bonus for the Highlanders and can help those outside him.
Brumbies key man
Wharenui Hawera: Talk about taking your chance. Hawera just looked like a plodding run of the mill player for Southland last year. But he got an offer from a Brumbies team lacking the goods and he has impressed. Runs well and has an educated boot.