It does not take much prompting for prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen to start talking about just how much the Hurricanes club, his team-mates and fans mean to him.
The affable Toomaga-Allen simply leans back against the changing room wall with a broadening smile and a raise of his eyebrows.
At just 27, the Wellington College old boy will become just the 15th player to reach 100 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes.
“What does it mean to me, well, it’s definitely a highlight of my career, playing a 100 for the Canes,” he said.
“When I made my debut in South Africa back in 2012 I sat there afterwards and made it my goal to play 50 for the club. When I played 50 I made it my goal to play 100, there was no doubt in my mind about that.”
Toomaga-Allen was in good company on that February afternoon in Cape Town where long-time team mates Ben May, TJ Perenara and Brad Shields also wore the swirl on their chests of the first time.
The trio would go on to experience a number of seriously enjoyable highlights over the next seven seasons, including two final appearances and, of course, the title winning effort of 2016.
“It’s a dream come true, to play for one franchise and for it to be in my home town, it’s really special to me. I’m very proud of it.”
All Black #1130, Toomaga-Allen repeatedly talks about the “friendships and brotherhood” he has formed at the club and the importance of maintaining those bonds.
“I’m very proud of the big number of boys who have managed to come through and reach 100 games because we’ve all worked really hard,” he added.
“You definitely work really had at this club, nothing is ever given and you have to earn your jersey.”
It’s that ethic he never wants to move away from and has him as he strives to be a good role model in all areas of his life.
“I feel I’m in this world to impact and inspire and influence the next generation. If I can do that any way I can, if it means playing 100 times for the Hurricanes or influencing boys off the field to show them how to be a good brother or a good son or a good dad, I just want to set a good example.”
Toomaga-Allen said marking the milestone at Westpac Stadium in such an important play-off match was extra special.
“Especially so, too, because I get to do it with my bro Blade (Thomson) on his 50th game, in a quarterfinal, a must-win match, I’m really looking forward to that.”