Once the door opened for Leon MacDonald to become an assistant coach to Scott Robertson with the All Blacks, the current Blues boss couldn't see his future anywhere else.
On Wednesday, one of the worst kept secrets in NZ rugby was confirmed, as MacDonald's appointment as an All Blacks assistant from 2024 was announced. He'll combine with his former All Blacks and Crusaders teammate Robertson to become the new attack coach.
But it could have been so much different for MacDonald.
After impressing during his tenure as head coach of the Blues, MacDonald was reportedly a target to take charge of Scotland from 2024.
However, with dialogue over joining Robertson's team dating back to 2019 - when he lost out to Ian Foster - MacDonald knew where his loyalties lay.
"I had chats with a few different people, just because you didn't know what was going to happen," MacDonald said.
"It was a good chance to have a bit of a think about what's next. The All Blacks was always going to be the pinnacle and the dream job.
"The way it's rolled out has been ideal. Once this role became a bit clearer about where we're heading, the other options weren't seriously considered."
While some might consider the move a backwards step - moving from a Super Rugby head coach into an assistant role - MacDonald doesn't see it that way.
Instead, the 45-year-old is relishing the chance to support Robertson, once they begin with the All Blacks next year.
"You've got to be really, really, really ready to be coach of the All Blacks, it's definitely not one to rush into," said MacDonald.
"Razor's done his time, he's ready, he's got runs on the board.
"An assistant role suits me really well at the moment. I'm really proud of what I've done with the Blues [but] I think this is a really nice progression for me, personally.
"I'm going to be running the attack, which I've done with the Blues. That fits really nicely with me as well, I've got a lot of confidence in that area.
"At the moment, I think it's a great outcome for me, personally."
But for now, MacDonald insists his priority remains with the Blues.
Since taking charge of the Auckland side in 2019, MacDonald has been the catalyst for a revival in the Aucklanders' fortunes.
Without a title since 2003, MacDonald helmed the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman victory in 2021 and led the Blues to the decider last year, when he was bettered by Robertson's Crusaders.
But this year will mark MacDonald's last season in Auckland, where he's forged his reputation as a test calibre coach.
"Yesterday was probably the first time it all clicked that it's all real and happening. The support of the guys was awesome.
"It's been a big part of my journey, the Blues. Who would have thought, coming from Blenheim up to Auckland?
"Initially, I was thinking 'what am I doing here?' Now, I'm so glad I did.
"It's been a great decision for us to come up here and be a part of the Blues family."
And with his days at the Blues numbered, MacDonald has a drought-ending Super Rugby Pacific title firmly in his sights.
"I was pretty hungry to win it this year, now [I'm] even more so. To finish here with a title would be immense and amazing.
"It'll be a bit different not walking through those doors - it's been five years here, which is a reasonable stint.
"To win a title would be amazing."
