If you notice an extra pep in Ruben Love's step next season for the Hurricanes don't be surprised.
The playmaker has been busy taking his game up a gear, training with world renown sprint coach Roger Fabri, the man behind many famous track, NRL and NFL athletes.
"Going to Australia for a month was eye-opening for sure," says the 22-year-old.
"I sent [Fabri] a message and email to his academy, I just booked a ticket packed a bag and went over. It was amazing. I learned so much and I've come back a different athlete, I truly believe that."
The inspiration to attend the training camp in Sydney started from a friendship with Roosters wing/centre Joseph Sua'ali'i.
The pair connecting after the New Zealand and Australia Schools rugby union match in Hamilton back in 2019.
Soon after that game, Sua'ali'i joined Fabri's academy after switching to rugby league as a 17-year-old.
Following Sua'ali'i's rise back in New Zealand, Love's interest in the sprint coach was sparked, setting the wheels in motion for the Hurricanes player to eventually travel to Sydney.
Love has been staying with Sua'ali'i in Sydney while training with Fabri for the past month.
As well as stepping up the pace, the Hurricanes utility back has been rubbing shoulders with some supreme rugby league speedsters such as Jason Saab and Bronson Xerri.
"The way I could see my progress was how far I could get to last place ― whether I could get closer to the second to last person.
"I was getting smoked by the boys like Jason Saab but I feel like, when you train with people better than you, it's like anything ― you grow quicker," says Love.
The decision to go across the ditch, not only set to fast-track Love's physical attributes but also his development in rugby as he hopes to make an impact in the Hurricanes and beyond this season.
Love says he has no qualms about which position he takes under new coach Clark Laidlaw, whether at first-five or fullback, with staying injury free his first priority this upcoming Super Rugby season.
After earning All Blacks XV and Māori All Blacks caps along with an NPC title with Wellington, he's determined to add to his 17 appearances for the Hurricanes since his debut in 2021.
"I felt like I've missed out on so much. I'm doing my best to get back on the field and give it my all for the Hurricanes and hopefully put my foot in the door for the All Blacks," says Love.
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