James Arlidge, who is turning out for Japan in the World Cup, hopes to return to NZ and his new house after a two year stint at UK club Nottingham. Picture/ Greg Bowker
When Kiwi World Cup star James Arlidge touched down in New Zealand, he checked out his new home before checking in with Japan teammates.
As soon as the 32-year-old first five walked off the plane at Auckland airport, wife Anna whisked him away to view their dream family home.
"It all happened quite quickly," said the former Blues player. "I think Anna saw it on the internet on a Monday and she went and viewed it on the Tuesday. On Wednesday I arrived back in the country and went and had a look at it and we put an offer in the next day after that."
Arlidge said his wife had seen close to 40 houses before she spotted "the one".