To the objective viewer, Simon Zebo would appear to have grossly mis-timed his move to Racing 92 from Munster.
Although how the province fares in the Champions Cup remains to be seen, Zebo's move to Paris gave Joe Schmidt cause to remove him from international consideration.
Having had some memorable days for Ireland, the 28-year-old nevertheless missed what has been a stellar 2018 for Schmidt's men.
Simon Zebo doesn't hold an objective outlook, however.
"I have absolutely zero regrets and I am so, so happy that I made the decision," Zebo stated in an interview with The Telegraph.
"One 80 minute match (Ireland v New Zealand) would not make any difference to that, delighted as I was for the Irish lads.
"It has been an incredible adventure here, spectacular on and off the field and I’m loving life here."
Enjoying life in Paris as much as one might imagine, with a World Cup on the horizon, attention inevitably turned toward any potential calling in from the cold for the former Munster man.
As far as Zebo is concerned, it's a non-runner.
"I wouldn’t be holding my breath about Ireland prospects and there has not been much contact," Zebo admitted.
"Of course, it would be nice to go to the World Cup in Japan but it is what it is. If it were ever to happen, great.
"But I’m not at all hopeful or expectant and it is no big deal for me."
With such an impressive depth of talent available to Joe Schmidt ahead of what may be a defining year as Ireland's head coach, Simon Zebo appears content to watch from afar and celebrate, hopefully, the achievements of his fellow Irishmen.
