'There's always a door open somewhere' - Kiss
In January 2018, Les Kiss departed Belfast with his job as Ulster's director of rugby having been brought to a premature end after only one full season.
This week, he is back in the city leading a resurgent Queensland Reds outfit and having just been installed as the favourite to take over the Australian national side once Joe Schmidt steps away after the Rugby Championship this year.
While the 60-year-old, whose Reds side will play Ulster in a friendly at Kingspan Stadium on Friday evening, is not to be drawn on those links to the Wallabies job, more than two decades in coaching has taught him there is little to be gained from focusing on anything other than the task at hand.
"In this game, when you look too far ahead it finds you out. This game will give you uppercuts before you know it," he told BBC Sport NI.
"You focus on the next day, the next job. That's a very coach thing to say, but it's the truth. If you start wandering and lose sight of what's important, that's a dangerous place to be."
Recent experiences have helped Kiss remain philosophical.
His next job after Ulster was with London Irish who, in tandem with former Ireland boss Declan Kidney, he guided back into England's top flight before the club were swallowed up by financial problems.
Although neither of his most recent posts ended how he would have liked, they have ultimately brought him back to his hometown club who last season enjoyed their best campaign since 2012, all while playing a brand of rugby which drew praise from fans and commentators alike.
"That's how it ended [with Ulster] but there's always a door open somewhere," he added.
"I'm really happy to be at the Reds. It came out of the blue. I didn't expect to see what happened at London Irish, that's for sure.
"However, again, opportunities came. The Reds offered and it seemed a fit at the time.
"Once I got over there, it's been going well. There's a lot to like about Queensland Rugby and I'm really enjoying my time with the Reds."
As his side ramp up their preparations for next week's Super Rugby start, Kiss has enjoyed the opportunity to be back in the city he called home from November 2015 until January 2018.
"I've fond memories. There were some challenges there obviously, as you have in every club, you have those moments.
"I can only look back happily. The state of the union at that stage, Irish rugby was bubbling along nicely throughout.
"We had to play our part in all that and I think we provided some really good, young players.
"From a personal perspective, it's great to be back and see the old haunts and have a couple of Guinness."
This coming season of Super Rugby will be dominated by talk of the summer's visit from the British and Irish Lions for a three-Test tour of Australia.
While the Wallabies were thought to be in dire straits not so long ago after a pool stage exit at the 2023 World Cup, recent performances under Schmidt have shown promise and they gave Ireland some trouble in the autumn before losing 22-19.
"I think you underestimate what the Australians are about at your peril," said Kiss.
"They've some really good players and some really good systems and coaches.
"I'm very optimistic about where it can go in Australia but more importantly with the Reds."
