Michael Leitch crossed the try line on Saturday in his first Super Rugby game in the country of his birth, helping the Chiefs to a 37-27 victory over the Cheetahs in Hamilton.
Having grown up in Christchurch before moving to Japan at 15, Leitch's first Super Rugby season is a dream come true, partly forged by the coach with whom his team will clash when the Chiefs host the Blues on Saturday.
Sir John Kirwan handed Leitch his Japanese debut in 2008, making the loose forward an integral member of his squad in the years leading up to the 2011 World Cup. His international form eventually saw Leitch earn a spot in the Chiefs' wider training squad in 2013, and while injury spoiled that initial chance, he knows the debt of gratitude he owes the Blues coach.
"He's the one who pretty much started my career off," Leitch said. "It's a pretty weird feeling playing against your old coach.
"There's obviously a lot of rivalry between the Chiefs and Blues. I'm looking forward to the game, especially coming up against a big forward pack."
