Retired Test flanker George Smith has revealed he was not entirely comfortable with his decision to re-sign with the Wallabies back in May, admitting he has been contemplating ending his international career for several months.
The 110-Test veteran sent shockwaves through the rugby community on Friday when he announced his decision to walk away from the Wallabies at the age of 29.
Smith, who has occupied the gold No.7 jersey for the best part of a decade since making his debut against France in 2000, was contracted to the Australian Rugby Union and Brumbies until the end of the 2011 World Cup.
But following lengthy discussions with ARU chief John O'Neill and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, the father of three was granted an early release after expressing his desire to spend more time with his young family.
He will see out the Super 14 season with the Brumbies before continuing his career with a yet-to-be determined overseas club.
"I only just signed recently with the ARU about six months ago, and I did have the (2011 World Cup) in my sights," Smith said on Friday.
"But I wasn't entirely at ease with the decision to re-sign with the Wallabies because I wanted to allow my family to experience a different culture whilst I was playing rugby and to just broaden their horizons as well as mine."
"Although it was a very hard to decision for me to come to, and also to face up to Robbie, John and also (Brumbies CEO) Andrew Fagan and (coach) Andy Friend, I know I've made the right decision in my heart."
"I've been thinking about this decision for quite a while, it's been over recent months but even before that."
"I feel I need to be spending more time with my family and that's been my priority in terms of this decision. I think I've had a great career in the Wallaby jersey and I'm very proud of that career and I think it's just time for me to move on."
While Smith's days in the Test arena are over, the prolific flanker plans to play on for several seasons in the overseas market.
"I think I've got a number of years ahead of me playing really competitive football," he said.
"I'm not too sure where I'll be playing but I reckon I can play at the highest level in terms of an international club."
Deans, who dropped the veteran to the bench behind young gun David Pocock at the end of last season, declared Smith the greatest openside flanker in the history of the Wallabies.
"He's right up there, I mean you'd have to say he's the best that's ever pulled the Wallaby jersey on, simply through the weight of numbers," Deans said.
"Crikey, it's a tough position. You look at that number of games at Super rugby as well as Test level plus the travel - it's the toughest competition in the world when you consider the travel."
"It's unprecedented - he's the greatest to that end. There's no one been going as long in that position as consistently. And he'll prove it this Super rugby season, keep watching."
Smith's departure is certain to be greeted with sadness by Wallabies fans, but the former John Eales Medallist doesn't expect his rival back-rowers to shed too many tears.
"I'm sure Phil (Waugh), as a number of No.7's will be quite happy," he joked.
"And that's the beauty of our rugby, we have a lot of depth in the back-row and outstanding talent coming through ... so I think that spot will be filled quickly."