Anthony Tuitavake will try his luck in a different rugby arena when the Super 14 series finishes
When Anthony Tuitavake strolled into breakfast the other day he was addressed in Japanese.
Management staff Liam Barry and Ant Strachan were getting the midfielder in tune for his shift to a two-year deal with the NEC club once the Super 14 series is finished.
"I have been doing some
stuff on the internet and learning from books," Tuitavake said, "but having these guys who have been involved there for a long time is the best help you can get."
The offshore venture has been no secret. Tuitavake decided the end of this campaign would be the best time to leave a nine-year first-class career in New Zealand to try his luck in another rugby arena.
He had been an All Black and played five tests since his 2008 debut against Ireland. He weighed up a variety of issues and decided it was best to make a move this year rather than shooting for a place in next year's World Cup squad.
"I had a chat with the family to see where things are at," he said. "I want to continue to help my family, especially my mother and father, and playing rugby in Japan will help me do that.
"I am excited after going up there to have a look. It is totally different, I will be out of my comfort zone and while it will be sad having to leave, I want to really embrace the future."
There has been some despondency from Tuitavake this season that he has been unable to get on to the field for the Blues although that should change with an appearance from the bench this weekend.
His Blues tally had stalled at 54 games and he and fellow wounded - George Pisi, Chris Lowrey and Ali Williams - are the only members of the original squad yet to play this season.
Tuitavake's pelvic problem has been ongoing. Midway through last year he was injured and, later, it was discovered he had a small fracture and had also strained a tendon in his groin.
He was given the option of an operation or undergoing some lengthy rehab.
"I took the gamble and went for the rehab. I did all that right but it is still not 100 per cent. It is the best it can be. I have been having a few cortisone treatments but when we finish the Blues programme I'll need an operation."
Tuitavake will need about six weeks recovery but should be just about ready to pull on his boots for the start of the Japanese season.
Meanwhile, he is in South Africa where he says sleep patterns are far more settled after almost a fortnight in the Republic.
"Durban was quite warm, it is nice here in Cape Town but we are going up to Bloemfontein for this next game against the Cheetahs, where it is a bit chilly.
"Training has been good. We had a blowout one day and we have been able to do a lot more this week than we tried after getting to South Africa last week and trying to get back into normal sleeping and training patterns after the travel."
Tuitavake hoped to get a few runs as the Blues wound down their season. Fatherhood and injury exits for Rudi Wulf and Luke McAlister have opened up his chances
"We are short on backs, so there will be a few chances to have a run. I guess I'll just to go through the pain barrier for a few games and the cortisone should last me through.
"There are no excuses, you prepare well and give it a go. If anything happens then others can have a crack," he said.
"I am confident but it has all been very frustrating. I had the opportunity to play or take a holiday, rest and leave but I thought why give up a great opportunity to be a part of a finish with one of the teams I love."
Tuitavake said he had been satisfied with his career in New Zealand and when hassled, plumped for centre as his favourite role because that was the position he grew up with.
"I never thought I would wear the black jersey, it was one of the great surprises of my career. It was a great feeling," he said.
