HE’S travelled far and wide in search of it — from Paris to the Land of the Rising Sun — and former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane has finally fallen back in love with rugby.

After breaking the hearts of Australian rugby fans by leaving the Reds in 2013, Ioane returned to Super Rugby this year after stints in France with Stade Francais and Japan with Honda Heat.

But somewhat tragically for Australian rugby, Ioane opted to resurrect his career with the Crusaders and therefore pass up the opportunity to represent the Wallabies again.

“If I really wanted to play for the Wallabies, I would have come back to Australia,” Ioane told foxsports.com.au as he celebrated the Crusaders’ eighth title in Christchurch.

“But I chose not to and that’s why I went to New Zealand because I really wanted to see why these teams are so good.”

Ioane’s story and rationale sums up a miserable state of affairs in Australian rugby.

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How could a player in his pomp leave the Wallabies jersey behind and not return?

During an eight-year stint in Australia, where he made his debut with the Force before starring with the Reds and winning a Super Rugby title in 2011, Ioane was Australia’s most damaging outside back.

With raw speed, brute strength and an infectious attacking attitude — not to mention those dazzling try celebrations — Ioane was one of Australian rugby’s biggest drawcards.

His combination with Will Genia and Quade Cooper for club and country made for thrilling viewing.

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But in 2013, with the Reds on a downward spiral on and off the field, Ioane shocked the rugby community by taking his talents to Stade Francais.

“We played a different brand,” Ioane remembered of his time at the Reds.

“That freestyle, run the ball from everywhere attitude and we had a good setup.

“(Ewen) McKenzie was a good coach, you had all different players, but we bonded really well as a team.

“There was no negativity in that environment and that’s why we did well.

“After that a lot of things went downhill.

“I wasn’t happy, others weren’t happy and we went our own ways.

“I went to Paris because I like to explore different things.

“Some people take the easy way and chase money.

“I thought money was everything, but it’s not because you’re just going through the motions.”

Quade Cooper and Digby Ioane celebrate their Super Rugby title win over the Crusaders in 2011. Source: Getty Images

Indeed, it wasn’t until his arrival in Christchurch this season to join Super Rugby’s undisputed kings, that he rediscovered his love for the game again.

It’s why he will take up his player option and return to the club next season.

“When I went to Paris, then to Japan, it was just a normal job,” Ioane said.

“Everything was just day in, day out, it wasn’t exciting for me.

“You love your job when you wake up in the morning and you’re going to work and you’re excited to see the boys and be there.

“That’s the kind of feeling I had when I was at the Reds and I found that when I went to Christchurch.

“It’s hard to get those moments.

“There was a reason why I left and went to Paris and another reason why I went to Japan, but at the end of the day you just want to be happy and I’ve found that in Christchurch.

“That’s why I’m going to do another year with them next season.”

This is what you call brother hood. Made me love rugby again 🙏 A post shared by Digby Ioane (@digbyioane) on Aug 3, 2017 at 5:16am PDT

A hand injury restricted the 35 Test Wallaby to just three Crusaders appearances this season so his eagerness to return speaks volumes for the culture at the club.

“We’re all like one big family,” the 32-year-old said.

“I’ve been at the Crusaders and I see how professional they are, their skillset, how they do things, they trust their players and people are just so excited to be there.

“That’s the environment and energy that you need not just from your coaches, but from your teammates.

“Everyone wants to start every game, but you don’t have people not helping.

“Your teammates in the squad actually want to help you, even though they’re competing with you for places.

“For example, Israel Dagg is giving those challenging him for a spot feedback and for someone to do that, he’s thinking for the team and that’s what I love about the team.

“Everyone wants to help each other to get better.”

Digby Ioane scored in his first match for the Crusaders against the Reds at this year’s Brisbane Tens. Source: Getty Images

First-year coach Scott Robertson, captain Sam Whitelock and influential flanker Jordan Taufua have driven that culture forward this season as the Crusaders dropped just one game on the way to winning the final against the Lions in Johannesburg.

Two other Australians, Mike Allalatoa and Pete Samu, were members of the Crusaders’ matchday squad.

The pure joy on players’ faces as they watched Robertson breakdance at Ellis Park is hard to replicate.

“He’s called me out a couple of times to do my breakdancing after the games,” Ioane laughed.

“When we’re winning we do a theme song, we go pretty crazy in the changerooms, and we’re dancing.

“One time he goes: ‘Show us your breakdancing.’

“And I go: ‘Mate, really?’

“’C’mon, mate?’ he insisted.

“Nah, you’ve got me.”

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has matched Digby Ioane’s breakdancing feats. Source: News Limited

Ioane will return to Japan on Sunday for a six-week playing stint with the Panasonic Wild Knights under his former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

The elusive winger jumped at the chance to get some games under his belt after his injury struggles.

He emphatically shut down any possibility of a Wallabies return.

“A lot of people ask me whether I want to play for the Wallabies, but I’ve had my time,” Ioane said.

“You can’t replicate what you did in the past.

“It wouldn’t be the same.

“If I was to do it again, it has to be the same guys and it’s just a different team.

“It was a bit hard, but I’m happy with my choices.

“That’s something that I can still talk about.

“I talked to Quadey last week and we still talk like the old days.

“It would have been good if everyone came back, but life goes on and I’ve left that chapter.

“I’ve got no regrets.

“You can’t beat the past and I wouldn’t trade it.

Digby Ioane says he has no desire to play for the Wallabies again. Source: News Limited

“I wish the Wallabies were the best.

“I want Australia to do well, but at the moment they’ve got so many young guys coming through.

“I think Australian rugby is in a big hole.

“It’s going to take time to build to get back up.

“New Zealand is in their own league.

“All the young guys coming through at the Crusaders, they’re not just happy to be there, they want to play and take that spot which is what you need to succeed.”