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'I haven't looked back' - Piutau reflects on decision to leave New Zealand
Former All Blacks wing Charles Piutau has opened up about his decision to shift overseas, leaving the black jersey and New Zealand behind.
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Piutau made his last appearance for the All Blacks before the 2015 World Cup, leaving with 17 tests under his belt and opting to join Premiership side Wasps in England.
Piutau has since shifted around Europe, first to Irish side Ulster, before returning to England with the recently promoted Bristol Bears, where he reportedly makes NZ$1.94m per season.
Piutau says that the decision to leave New Zealand was the best career move he could have made.
“If I was to retire today, I’d say my legacy was showing that leaving New Zealand early, you can still make a career for yourself,” Piutau told INews.
“I haven’t looked back and regretted it once.”
Piutau also said that he’s eager to reward Bristol for their faith in him, targeting a return to the top of the Premiership with the Bears.
“Seeing what it means to the Bristol fans, and where the club has been, up and down, I am loving this environment.
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“I want to look back and see I was part of the Bristol team solidifying it as a strong household name in the premiership. We can create something that future generations can carry on.
“You see it internationally, with what the All Blacks have done. It would be great to see the same from a Bristol Bears perspective.”
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