Ma'a Nonu hopped on the All Blacks' plane to Hong Kong last night a contented man, having cast aside "a few" overseas rugby offers and also rid himself of rugby league thoughts to recommit to New Zealand for the next four years.
That starts with a test against Australia and another Grand Slam attempt, though whether he makes the starting lineup for this weekend's Bledisloe Cup test remains to be seen.
Nonu, having been part of the Air New Zealand Cup final, was one of several players on light duties when the All Blacks had a solid two-hour training session in Auckland yesterday before flying out.
In his absence from the shadow backline, Daniel Carter moved out a place to second five with Stephen Donald at No 10.
A test debut for Hosea Gear looks likely as he spent plenty of training time on the wing.
But Nonu's signature is a major boost. Having been part of the 2003 World Cup squad but missing last year's tournament, the 26-year-old will have another Cup chance with his new deal taking him through to the 2011 tournament in New Zealand.
"There were a few overseas offers but my heart is in New Zealand at the moment so I just want to keep trying to play for New Zealand and where I'm from. So I'm pretty happy with my decision," he said.
He admitted rugby league "was in the back of my head", particularly after a difficult 2007.
"Last year when I didn't make the World Cup I was thinking about offers ... but this is what I love."
Nonu admitted his current season of consolidation – where he has started every test for the All Blacks – made the decision easier.
"When I was playing in the All Blacks in other years it was a couple or three or four test matches.
"But this year is my record personally (10 appearances). I'm pretty happy with that."
Nonu said glamour tours like the present one that had a rare grand slam on offer were other considerations. Neither European club rugby nor rugby league could offer anything similar.
Conrad Smith, Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake and John Afoa also extended their contracts in a good day for the housekeepers at HQ.
Afoa, though, had a very limited part of training on Monday as he nursed his sore knee that saw Greg Somerville make the Hong Kong trip as cover.
Andy Ellis got through a reasonable amount of training while Richie McCaw and Conrad Smith were others to spend spells watching.
The only player missing from practice was fullback Mils Muliaina who remains on baby watch. Isaia Toeava spent most of the training at fullback.
The All Blacks took the chance to get Scott Waldrom up to speed with their loose forward work while Adam Thomson did a fair bit of work covering at seven as well, although McCaw is still likely to lead the side out against Australia.
Nonu said the dead rubber in the Bledisloe Cup series wasn't affecting the All Blacks.
"Everyone is talking about how we won in Brisbane but it's a Bledisloe match, it's the first match against Australia in Hong Kong and it's really important.
"The boys will be gunning this weekend. There's a lot of hype around it and at the end of the day we are playing Australia," said Nonu who boasts 28 test caps but only three against the Wallabies.
The All Blacks will name their team to play Australia in Hong Kong late this afternoon.
