Manu Samoa winger Alapati Leiua says, after turning down approaches in the past, 2013 felt like the right time to answer his country's call.
The 24 year old made his test debut earlier this month in Samoa's first ever win over Scotland and also dotted down in a clinical showing against Italy a week later.
The 24 year old has established himself on the right win for the Hurricanes this season, in the absence of Cory Jane, and had been talked about as a possible All Black.
Leiua says the four nations tournament in South Africa, where Samoa lost to the Springboks in the final, was a great experience.
"Thinking it was the right time for me to go for Samoa. I think the team is not 100 percent yet but we start building from now on moving forward for the World Cup. It's a good experience, especially as a first year. Good team, good boys, make me feel welcome to the team."
After a long flight home from the Republic, Leiua has been named on the bench for the Hurricanes match against the Chiefs on Friday night.
