Friday's Super Rugby Pacific clash against Fijian Drua will take on an entirely different meaning for Crusaders and All Blacks winger Sevu Reece.
Reece, 25, will line up against his Fijian compatriots for the first time in Super Rugby, when the two sides meet in Christchurch, with the Drua currently playing their inaugural season.
Born in Fiji, Reece moved to New Zealand in 2014 to attend Hamilton Boys' High School, before turning professional with Waikato and then the Crusaders, and eventually earning promotion to the All Blacks.
But in another life, Reece could just as easily have been lining up for the Drua, who are finally giving Fijian players the opportunity to ply their trade at home, rather than seek opportunities in Europe or Japan.
So far in 2022, the Drua have secured two wins from their first 12 matches to sit 11th on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
But don't let results be the only guide to success, with the Drua winning many plaudits for their free-flowing gameplan, akin to Fiji's trademark style at test level.
Reece couldn't hide his delight at seeing Fiji finally get the chance to compete with Super Rugby's best week in, week out.
"It's such an exciting time, not just for the Crusaders but for me personally," Reece said.
"[It's the] first year for the Fijian Drua playing Super Rugby Pacific, and for us to welcome them here in Christchurch is pretty exciting.
"The boys know what to expect, everyone's been preparing well so far. [We're] looking forward to playing them on Friday."
But spare a thought for Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who's this week tasked with keeping Reece grounded, before he faces off against a team he knows better than most.
"He's got quite a philosophical feeling about it," Robertson said. "There's only full respect you get when they play hard. You know it's going to be a tough match.
"He's also really proud of them. Proud of the organisation, they're up and going.
"They all know each other, they're all linked somewhere along the line.
"He's got a few mates out there, but the best way to respect them is by playing well."
That said though, Reece insists he won't be making the move to the Drua - for now at least - as Friday's clash will also see him notch 50 appearances for the Crusaders in Super Rugby.
"I'm happy where I am with the Crusaders. They've done a lot for me.
"I always watch them [the Drua], every game they play. [They have] exciting talents everywhere. I'm always cheering for them."
What's more, Reece looks forward to seeing what the Drua achieve in the long term, with Fiji now able to offer its talent a route to professional rugby at home.
And after Reece had to move to New Zealand to find that move himself,
"It's really exciting. For me, growing up in Fiji, I know how important opportunities are.
"Especially now we've got a Fijian Drua team, there's a pathway to all younger Fijians, all younger kids growing up to showcase their talents.
"Doors will open up, maybe [in] New Zealand or somewhere around the world.
"Exciting times for Fiji as a whole."
Join Newshub for live updates of the Crusaders v Fijian Drua from 7pm Friday
