Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens had plenty of time to think about his dramatic career change on a road trip last year.
The new Highlanders fullback took the unusual step of driving all the way from his New Plymouth home to Dunedin -about 1100km -to start his new life in the South.
"That was a long drive. I won’t be doing that again," he told the Otago Daily Times.
The Taranaki and former Blues outside back might be new to the Highlanders but he is treading a relatively familiar path.
Opportunities at a Blues squad stacked with outside back talent were few and far between, so when the Highlanders came calling, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens answered.
"I guess a lot of it was about opportunity.
"I felt like I didn’t get on to the field as much as I would like in Auckland, and the opportunity came to come down here and put my best foot forward in a jersey I want to play in.
"So far , so good. The group is really welcoming, and the coaches and staff are great, and it already feels like a second home to me.
"I’ve noticed small things. Like even if you just want to catch up with someone for a coffee and a chat, people are really accessible.
"From the first day the new boys came up, the support has been offered. So the organisation has been great."
The Francis Douglas Memorial College old boy said he knew little about the Highlanders before signing his contract and never imagined living in Dunedin.
That was part of the challenge, he said.
There was also the small matter of helping the Highlanders -widely expected to be also-rans in Super Rugby following a major squad clear-out -prove some people wrong.
"We want to change that perception. That’s another reason why I decided to come down here.
"We want to build something. I guess there’s nothing wrong with having our backs against the wall. Other teams might think we’re the younger brother or whatever. There might not be as big an expectation on us.
"That underdog title is something we will happily take. We can just work down here in the quiet. We know our stuff, and we’re learning a new attacking shape that I think expresses the way we want to play and utilises our best players on the field.
"In terms of being a little brother or whatever, we’re keen to shut that down.
"A big thing for us is doing it for the people, and creating some inspiration down south, and I’m really buying into that."
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 22, has enjoyed his first interactions with new attack coach Kenny Lynn.
The former Lyon coach had a wealth of knowledge and a real ability to impart it to the players, he said.
"We’re all learning in preseason, and he is explaining stuff in a way we can understand, so I’m really enjoying him and all the coaching staff."
He has also revelled in a chance to tap into the rugby brain of vastly experienced Welsh first five Rhys Patchell.
"He’s seen a lot of rugby. I think I naturally find myself gravitating towards him, and it’s not all rugby-related stuff. It’s good to get to know him.
"I feel like my job is to help him and our No10s, and I want to find my voice in doing that, and we’re building a great connection."
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens saw time on the wing with the Blues but is eager to specialise at fullback with the Highlanders.
He is flatting with fellow Blues refugee Tanielu Tele’a in Caversham and trying to get in the water at St Clair Beach at least twice a week.
They have also become devotees of a popular Dunedin burger joint.
"Good Good -that is second to none. We can’t go there too often or we’ll be paying for it on the field."
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will get to see more of his adopted region next week when the Highlanders take their roadshow to Central Otago before their first preseason game in Queenstown.
And the surname?
"My Mum is Fijian, and my Dad is Dutch.
"I was born in Christchurch but moved to New Plymouth when I was 2 or 3.
"I’ve been to Fiji once with the family and I’d love to get back over there to go and reconnect with family I haven’t seen in a while."
He has the familiar dream of playing for the All Blacks, but if the time was right, he would consider his Fijian connections as a path to international rugby.
