Former All Black star Julian Savea was back in action on Saturday, turning out for the Oriental Rongotai club in Wellington.
It was the barnstorming ball runners first game for the club in two years, playing 80 minutes at second-five in a 20-15 loss to Poneke.
Result aside, Savea is stoked to be home and stoked to be back on the park after a tumultuous stint with French club Toulon.
"It's awesome," Savea told Newshub. "I've grown up playing for the club and the community - we know everyone - just to be here and put on this jersey - yeah, it's awesome."
The 54 test All Black, who rejoined the Hurricanes last week for the remainder of the season, was at his powerful best in his first game of rugby since March.
"Definitely a positive step to be able to play and whatever the future holds, I'll look forward to that."
Saturday was all about his club, but Savea hopes his future includes a long-term stint in the yellow and black jersey he made his name in.
"This is just another step forward to the goal in terms of trying to get onto that professional contract."
The next step is the Mitre 10 Cup and while Wellington would seem an obvious choice, Savea is leaving his options open, including the blue and white hoops of Auckland, where he now lives.
"That's the decision I have to make."
Whatever the decision is, there is one thigh for sure; the bus is back.
