Former All Blacks wing Charles Piutau has opened up about his decision to turn his back on the black jersey, saying it was easily the best decision he's ever made.
Piutau, 27, walked away from the All Blacks ahead of the 2015 World Cup, having played just 17 Tests at the time, joining English Premiership side Wasps.
Since then though, Piutau has moved firstly to Irish side Ulster, before returning to England with Bristol Bears, where he pockets a whopping (NZ) $1.94m per season, making him among the highest paid players in rugby.
Speaking to English website INews though, Piutau says that moving away from the All Blacks and New Zealand was the best possible step he could have taken in his career.
"If I was to retire today, I'd say my legacy was showing that leaving New Zealand early, you can still make a career for yourself," Piutau began.
"I haven't looked back and regretted it once."
Piutau also said that he's eager to reward Bristol for their faith in him, targeting a return to the top of the Premiership with the Bears.
"Seeing what it means to the Bristol fans, and where the club has been, up and down, I am loving this environment.
"I want to look back and see I was part of the Bristol team solidifying it as a strong household name in the premiership. We can create something that future generations can carry on.
"You see it internationally, with what the All Blacks have done. It would be great to see the same from a Bristol Bears perspective."
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