Clutterbuck (24) spent seven years in and around Otago rugby but never once cracked the top side, not even getting as close as Otago B.
Twice club player of the year, he also skippered his club side Alhambra-Union to two championship banners.
The drums were beating for Clutterbuck to get into the Otago jersey but he never made it and with his university studies completed he returned home to Northland a couple of months ago.
He was instantly called into the Northland side on the openside flank and has played in every game for the side, which has started its season with a 50% win record.
Clutterbuck said he missed living in Dunedin but the time was right to get back to Northland, where he was brought up.
"I have good memories of Dunedin, just the nice relaxed way of life down there and the good people. I've still got a lot of friends down there and I'm looking forward to catching up with the boys this week," Clutterbuck said.
He would probably be back in the South in the new year for his capping having graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in management and marketing.
For now he was concentrating on rugby with Northland, and had the tough job of filling the big shoes of veteran Justin Collins, who is making a slow recovery from a head injury.
Playing first-class rugby was something Clutterbuck had always been aiming for and said it was everything he imagined.
"It's a huge step up in everything really. The game is way faster and a lot more physical. Just the speed of the players you are up against is up another level from club rugby."
Clutterbuck was a loan player for North Otago last year and was named player of the year for that team, playing No 8.
Clutterbuck said Collins was still heavily involved in the team, providing immense leadership and inspiration for the team.
He said any talk about relegation from the competition was not discussed by the team, as they just concentrated on on-field matters.
The team was happy enough with its performances so far although he admitted the side had an ounce of luck in beating North Harbour 26-23 at North Harbour last Friday night.
His own game was going all right although he felt his defence was astray in the win over North Harbour.
The competition was very tight and he said what many people were calling upsets were perhaps not that much of a shock.
He said there was a lot riding on Friday night's game, but he had no special incentive to take on Otago, although he would know a lot of the players.
The game on Friday night was the first at home for Northland, and Clutterbuck predicted there should be a big crowd.
"They are pretty passionate up here about their rugby and really want to get in behind their team."
