Braam Steyn may have once dreamt of pulling on the Springbok jersey but has no regrets as he seeks to help Italy provide the fatal blow to South Africa's Rugby World Cup hopes in their Pool B clash at the Shizuoka Stadium
Wales-born Stephen Varney made appearances off the Italy bench in Nations Cup games against Scotland and France last month.
What does it mean to become naturalised? How does it feel to embed oneself so deeply in another country that when you sport its emblem on your breast and bleed for it on the field.
Scottish rugby has long done a fine line in false dawns and shootings stars, had its quest for sustained glory dashed more often than Robert the Bruce’s cave-dwelling spider.
The stellar form of Hamish Watson for Scotland and Edinburgh has resulted in the back row being linked with a switch to the Top 14.
Italy are on a horrible losing streak in the Six Nations and things won't get any easier with title-chasing England in Rome on Saturday.
A yellow card for Jacob Stockdale turned what was looking a comfortable evening for Ulster in one where they had to work hard for their PRO14 win.
Matches haven't been played in the Guinness PRO14 since March 1 but it roars back into action with six games this weekend... here are all the chosen XVs.