He only went because it promised to be a good night out in Auckland with his partner, but Wanganui captain Peter Rowe found himself back in after-match function mode on Friday night.
But this was no ordinary or obligatory captain's speech Rowe was shaking hands with Richie McCaw as he accepted the Heartland Championship Player of the Year trophy from the All Black captain at the national rugby awards.
So, with nothing prepared, the straight-talking loose forward sat down at SkyCity Convention Centre with television presenter Scotty Stevenson to discuss Samoa, Ruatoria, his future and Wanganui rugby in 2012.
"It's a good way to finish [the season]," he said.
"I was pretty surprised, I didn't expect it at all.