The former All Black first five Carlos Spencer says he's hoping to carve out a coaching career in South Africa and can't see himself returning to New Zeaalnd.
The 35-test All Black left to play in Britain in 2004 and has sinced joined up with his former coach John Mitchell at the Lions Super Rugby franchise in South Africa.
In Wellington preparing for the Lions match against the Hurricanes this weekend, Spencer says he has a contract with the Johannesburg based club until 2013 with an option for another year.
He says returning to New Zealand isn't on the cards and he can see him and his family settling down in the Republic.
The Lions are 14th in the Super Rugby standings but will push the Hurricanes after a morale boosting win over the Highlanders last weekend.
