Charles Piutau Reveals Why He Walked Away From The All Blacks To Play For Ulster

When Ulster revealed before the 2015 Rugby World Cup that they had signed Charles Piutau the rugby world was in shock.

The super talented utility back was a focal point of the Auckland Blues, Super Rugby franchise, had 17 All Blacks caps to his name and was touted as a real possibility to make their squad for the tournament in England.

Piutau initially stopped off with Wasps for a season due to Ulster being unable to bring in another NIQ player and went on to set the Champions Cup and Aviva Premiership alight with his amazing speed and skill.

Now finally with Ulster he has already fitted in superbly and has been one of their stand out players this season, but why did he leave New Zealand?

Speaking at yesterday’s AIG event in DCU, Piutau admitted the decision to put his international career on hold wasn’t rugby-orientated.

“I think for me it was more life outside of rugby,” he said.

“I wanted to get out of New Zealand, get out of my comfort zone and away from things I’m really comfortable with and try a new challenge.

“Ulster is a great opportunity for me and hence why I took it. I look at it now and I’m just another fan, I’m another supporter of the team and just enjoying what they’re doing, creating history.”

The Kiwi flyer also admitted that Wasps did everything in their power to keep him, but he is a man of his word and was always going to link up with Ulster.

“The big thing for me was honouring my word. I am a man of my word and I just went through with what I said,”

“First and foremost, that was a big thing for me. I wasn’t going to change my decision. That’s rugby. You never know how well it is going to go in a team or in a season.

“I was lucky enough to have the Ulster deal there for me.”

Fair play to him, no doubt Les Kiss and Ulster will be thanking the stars he’s an honest man. What a talent, what an acquisition for Ulster.