Brett Mather is heading for the Bay of Plenty surf but says he leaves Otago with no bitter feelings.
With 30 caps Mather is one of the more experienced players in Otago, but he has signed a two-year deal with the Steamers and is hoping a shift north will reignite his career and Super 14 aspirations.
He missed Highlanders selection for next year but said that was only part of the reason he decided to leave Otago.
"It was a little bit of a factor. But, basically, I was told I was surplus to requirements to Otago," Mather said yesterday.
"It was a little bit disappointing to hear Otago didn't want me back, but it wasn't to be. I don't feel like I'm leaving with any regrets and I certainly don't think I've burned any bridges.
"My girlfriend lives in Auckland, so I'd been considering my options, anyway. I'm hoping the move will be quite exciting and works out well for me."
Mather is a keen surfer and is relishing the prospect of checking out the waves at Mount Maunganui.
The 25-year-old University A centre joined Otago from Canterbury in late 2005.
He became the first-choice Otago centre in 2007 and was a consistent selection for three seasons.
Mather was first selected for the Highlanders in 2008 and played in eight games.
He was picked again earlier this year but did not get on the park.
A robust midfielder with the ability to cover wing, Mather was more of a steady contributor than a star, but his departure leaves Otago extremely thin in the midfield.
Meanwhile, there has been speculation Otago winger Karne Hesketh is weighing up a move to Waikato or Japan.
Hesketh told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he had nothing to say, as he had no firm plans.
The Otago Rugby Football Union appears to be reversing the recent trend of slumping ground memberships.
It has already sold 639 season tickets for 2010, up from 113 at about the same time last year.
ORFU marketing manager Doug McSweeney said securing a ticket to the last All Black test at Carisbrook, against Wales on June 19, was a "huge incentive" for the public.
