Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua leave the All Blacks to improve their lives in England

Outside the main airport, there are not many landmarks in Auckland's southern suburbs, at Mangere, but in a dilapidated neighborhood, the former parent's home of David Tua's heavyweight stands out.

The large two-storey building with its pillared entrance seemed incongruous among various churches without a permit. A young Charles Piutau, who grew up on a street, walks past the house almost everyday and remembers thinking: "It's Tua's house." He can do it, so I can, too, someday, someday … "Steven Luatua, who also lived nearby, has similar memories.

United by the family – Luatua's brother married Piutau's sister – they followed roughly the same path in the rugby union. They have gone from the New Zealand age to the first season for the Auckland Blues. Finally, they debuted together for the All Blacks against France in New Plymouth on June 22, 2013.

"For all children who have already passed a ball, it's the dream," says Piutau. "It makes you so happy, there are not many players wearing this shirt, and doing it with his best friend makes it even more special."

READ MORE:
* Free reading $ 2 million per French club
* White related to Wallabies
* The referee admits Farrell's mistake

But then this childhood dream is over. Both players missed the 2015 World Cup team in New Zealand. Piutau settled in Europe that year and Luatua two years later, rendering them ineligible for international selection.

This summer, they met at Bristol Bears. The Piutau back has joined Ulster as the highest-paid player in the league and debuted this month at the Premier League Rugby Cup against Gloucester. Flanker Luatua had already spent a year fighting in the RFU championship.

In New Zealand, their departures had left a bitter taste, especially since they were early in their careers. Mercenaries and sales were among the stone bats launched against them.

Money was clearly a determining factor in leaving their country of birth, but to blame one of the two men for personal greed is to misunderstand their motivation or background.

Due to its flight path, Mangere has one of Auckland's cheapest properties and, as a result, a large immigrant community.

When Piutau's father arrived from Tonga, he held all kinds of jobs, often at the same time: bartender, factory worker, bouncer, taxi driver.

"He left early in the morning and returned at night," said Piutau. "Growing up by seeing their work ethic and the choices they made, it made me feel like they came to New Zealand to give us a better opportunity, so I want to pay them back and make sure that they are supported. "

Luatua's parents came from Samoa and started working as couriers. Luatua was jumping in the van at 6 am during the school holidays.

"What's nice with hindsight is that I know Auckland well," says Luatua.

It is not only their parents who have provided for their needs, but also their brothers and sisters.

"When I was younger, I did not really like it, but my brothers and sisters always had a duty to work during their holidays," says Luatua. "It's not just my parents' sacrifice."

It does not seem to be a coincidence that Piutau, the youngest brother, and Luatua, the youngest five-year-old, have managed to qualify in professional rugby so far.

"After school, I was able to pursue a dream," explains Piutau. "My older brothers and sisters did not have this opportunity, they paved the way for us."

That's why they gave up wearing the silver fern and all the personal ambitions that accompanied it. But neither one nor the other just went where the money was the highest. They chose Bristol for a reason – head coach Pat Lam.

It was Lam who gave every player his Super Rugby debut in a troubled Blues franchise, and he sold his vision to inspire victory with the success of Bristol rugby.

"No matter we came from different places, Pat made us understand that we represent this city and this jersey," Luatua said. "We need to get to know the city, to know people and to be proud of ourselves and the club."

This involves learning from the heart of the Bristolians club, including Joe Joyce, second-line, and scrum half Andy Uren. Joyce, in particular, explained to the couple their local environment, including a visit to her birthplace, Southmead, a neighborhood not very different from Mangere.

"He grew up just down the road and this was a revelation," Piutau said.

"Hearing about his education around the cricket club and the local pub, it's cool to see that side and understand what it means to him." Luatua adds: "This is certainly not the best place, but he is proud of it and is the owner of it.It is the man who pushes the idea of ​​being proud of Bristol. "

Neither of them look back even when the All Blacks were touring in the fall. This path has come to an end, but they are both on the verge of realizing the fantasy of Tua's house.

"There are none that would have, could have, and should have," Luatua said. "There is no guarantee in life, I am really happy in Bristol and happy to be able to offer a more comfortable lifestyle to my family."