The Western Force have secured the services of former Chiefs lock Toby Lynn as a local player due to the Kiwi forward's grandfather being born in Kondinin, which is 300km outside Perth.
Lynn has signed a two-year contract with the Force who will be glad to have avoided using him as an international marquee player.
The 26-year-old, who already has 32 Super Rugby caps to his name is determined to make the most of the opportunity to move his career forward in Perth.
"I'm a year behind where I could have been but I'm pretty stoked about the move now. My Super rugby had stalled a bit back home but I thought I was still playing pretty good footy. I was still enjoying playing," he told the West Australian.
"My grandad was born in the Wheatbelt so I was not classed as an overseas player which was handy," he added.
Lynn first played for the Chiefs in 2007, and although he subsequently lost his spot in the squad he did regain it last year. He was impressed with the ambitions of the Force coaching staff and has no regrets about the move.
"(Force coach) Richard Graham and (Force forwards coach) Nick Stiles put forward a pretty good case about where they wanted to go and now I'm here I can see that," he explained.
However, it will not be a case of just walking into the starting line-up, and Lynn is well aware that he will have to work hard to earn a spot ahead of the established second row pair of skipper Nathan Sharpe and the dynamic Sam Wykes, not to mention the challenge of some of the young players in the squad.
He said: Sharpie has always been around. He's one of the best locks in the world. I saw some of the Force games and looking from the outside Sam was one of the star players last year. Phoenix (Battye) is a young guy coming through so there's plenty of pressure for a spot.
"Pressure is good for the squad, it's good for the team environment, but all I'm looking forward to at the moment is a good pre-season, staying injury free and putting pressure on in trial games for a spot," he added.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.