All Blacks: Woodcock has no regrets about move south

All Black Tony Woodcock. Photo / Mark Mitchell

As an All Black who has played more than 100 tests, Tony Woodcock is used to success, so his season at the Highlanders must rank as one of his most difficult.

However, he said when rejoining his Blues teammates for the first time yesterday that he has no regrets about his move and would do it all over again if he got the chance.

"I really enjoyed it. It was something I had to do. If I had my time again, I'd do it again," he said.

"I was attracted to go down there for a lot of reasons - a fresh environment and all that stuff was part of it. The guys down there were unreal ... it was something I had to try out otherwise I would have played all my footy in one place and never moved anywhere."

The loosehead prop's decision to move south blindsided Blues coach Sir John Kirwan in his first weeks on the job, just as All Black teammate Ma'a Nonu's did.

Both are now back in the fold, however, after a disastrous season for the Highlanders made worse by the fact that before it kicked off many predicted they were a good chance to make the play-offs. Instead, they won only three matches and finished second to last above only newcomers the Southern Kings.

While the signing of Benji Marshall from league and the return of Nonu and Jerome Kaino have been trumpeted as significant for the Blues, welcoming back the 32-year-old Woodcock could be up there with Kirwan's best bit of business.

With Woodcock at loosehead, Tom McCartney can return to hooker. And with Keven Mealamu and James Parsons already fighting for the No2 jersey, Charlie Faumuina at tighthead, and Angus Ta'avao and Ofa Tu'ungafasi young prospects, the Blues' front row has quality in depth.

As for playing under Jamie Joseph, who will be under pressure to deliver vast improvements next year, Woodcock said he had no problems.

"Jamie's a great guy. He's a good coach, but it's unfortunate the last season didn't go so well. It was a tough season for results."APNZ