If anyone is well equipped to give Simon Zebo advice on his next career move, it is Ireland team-mate Johnny Sexton.
In the summer of 2013, the Leinster out-half boldly took the plunge that many other had threatened, or at least considered; leaving the structured and player-focused IRFU environment for the Top 14 in France.
It proved to be a difficult two years in the French capital. Niggling injuries, a shortage of out-half cover at club level and an inability to make all of Ireland's training camps were genuine grievances.
Add in the fact that Racing was some way off the club it has become since, and the decision to return home was a logical one.
Still, it proved to be a valuable learning experience both on and off the field. Many players he says have sought his counsel on a potential move to France in the intervening years.
"Some have gone, some haven’t. It’s very hard. There are different circumstances for every person," he told RTÉ Sport. "What I can advise could be different for somebody else."
One player he hasn’t heard from is Zebo, who is believed to have turned down a central contract – Zebo has only ever been on a provincial deal – in order to seek a new challenge abroad.
This week it was confirmed that the utility back would leave his native province for a move abroad after "several European clubs" offered terms which the IRFU were unable to match.
Racing 92 are thought to be at the head of the queue, and it appears the international career of one of Ireland’s most consistent players over the past couple of years could be coming to an end.
The obvious exception of Sexton aside, Joe Schmidt has tended to concentrate on players under the IRFU umbrella.
"I don’t know if it’s set in stone, but it seems like they are not going to pick guys that are playing abroad," Sexton reflects.
"I’m sure Simon had a very difficult decision to make, giving up his international career to move abroad."
It is a reminder of the difficulties Sexton himself faced trying to juggle international and club rugby while based in Paris.
The club focus and demands in Paris is in sharp contrast to the player management employed by the IRFU.
"If I had a niggle, Racing would pull me back. I wanted to play for my country of course, but at the same time you would feel guilty because you are not playing in club games. It’s a very difficult position to be in.
"Whereas in Ireland, the IRFU look after your scheduling and you are available for all the camps. You are looked after if you have an injury.
"Everything is geared towards getting you into the best shape possible."
Despite assurances before signing that he would be available for all Ireland camps, Sexton was the victim of unfortunate circumstances.
"In my first season there the other two out-halves were injured. I was the only out-half, so everything we spoke about went out the window."
The out-half played in more games than was expected and during the 2014 Six Nations, arrived back to Irish camp with a damaged thumb.
"It wasn’t serious," he says, but Racing wanted their out-half to rest during the international window.
"You can imagine how difficult those conversations were."
They are the kind of conversations that Zebo may not face if his move ends his Test career, prematurely at least, though it is another reminder of the environment he is leaving, and more crucially, he is entering, in the next chapter of his career.
Aer Lingus ambassador Johnny Sexton was speaking to students at Castleknock College.
