About 5 years ago, I was disappointed whenever a respected rugby player left his home soil to ply his trade overseas.

These days, after doing just that myself, I have a new outlook on player development and involvement in the game.

Having played in England for the last five this, 2009 saw me back to familiar roots on New Zealand soil.  My first introduction back into the rugby scene was interesting.  I rocked on down to a training just to get a feel for what is around.  Tuesday night.  A few people kicking the ball around, a few standing and chatting.  Training is almost about to start.  Up walks a few  players with flip flops and rugby shorts.  Don their boots on the side and straight into training.

The entire feel of the place talks of relaxed, casual.  After coming from an environment that had a professional outlook on rugby it was weird to see such a caviler approach to the game from a country that is supposed to be a leader in the sport.

Playing the game was no different.  Players would approach everything in a semi relaxed manor, not really warming up to hard out, not drinking much water and appearing like they are just out for a training session.  The difference in attitudes pre-match is hard not to miss.  However, once the game kicks off, the intensity, skill level and enthusiasm is right up there and more.  I'm reminded these are players who are not paid to play the game, but turn up week in week out, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday  simply to run around after an oval ball.

The impact of my first few weeks back into New Zealand rugby reminds me what it is to play the game.  Not for money, career or advancement.  But simply for comradeship, enjoyment and the love of the game.  It's great to play in this kind of environment
once more.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I think both countries have alot to teach young rugby players, hence my view on players playing overseas changing.  England has a much more professional and smarter outlook on the game.  They put more thought into what it takes to
play well, in regards to pre-match preparation, after match recovery and week on week rehabilitation.  A much more organized setup, but probably one that is needed in a demanding 30 match season.

In return, New Zealand has a much more relaxed environment, however one in which the players seem to play more for the love of the game than anything else.  The B's always curtain raise to the A's meaning the link between the two teams is closer and there is always a guaranteed crowd after the match.

Having played in England for five years, I feel like a more complete player who I would hope appreciates more aspects of the game.  For those players who leave to play overseas whether for money or other reasons, I would think the experience has
the same impact.  If they ever move back to their home territory then they can input back into the game much more than when they left.

Thanks England for giving me so much for the game of Rugby.  For anyone else reading, I would recommend a stint of the game outside your native land.  It enriches your outlook, makes you appreciate different aspects and all round improves your general game play.