The Chiefs signed Matt Symons following his strong form in the 2013 ITM Cup © Getty Images

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The sound of an English accent conducting the Chiefs' post-match interview after their five-point victory over the Blues may have caught a few people by surprise, but such has been Matt Symons' impact in the Waikato it may be one worth getting used to.

It's not a bad story either; the lanky lock who slipped through Saracens' Academy system, tried a spot of rowing and then arrived in New Zealand to play club rugby alongside his brother in Christchurch. Fast forward a couple of years, and the 25-year-old finds himself as one of the Chiefs' key forwards and, in a testament to his character, a potential long-term leader of the Hamilton-based franchise.

"Obviously I am really stoked," Symons told Britain's The Telegraph of his first start as Chiefs captain. "I guess it doesn't feel like I am an Englishman because I am part of the team. It is kind of weird when you think about it from the outside where I was and where I am now."

In an ironic twist of fate, Symons will be eligible to represent New Zealand in May; just a few months shy of Rugby World Cup 2015 - in England. The All Blacks aren't exactly short on quality locks - Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are arguably the world's finest second-row pairing - but in a year when injuries will deliver the World Cup's hard-luck stories, it is not unfathomable to think Symons could yet return home in a black jersey.

"I am in the process of thinking about it at the moment but no decisions have been made," Symons told The Telegraph of his international options.

While this year's global showpiece may have come just a little too early, Symons will likely be in the prime of his rugby career when the World Cup heads to Japan in four years' time. Contracted to the Chiefs through to the end of the year, the 25-year-old seemingly has a big decision to make; one that could be influenced by the fact Chiefs assistant Tom Coventry is taking over at London Irish later this year and is reportedly keen to take Symons with him.

For now, though, Symons seems content to be part of the Chiefs' pursuit of a third title in four years - which they continue at home to the Brumbies in New Plymouth on Friday night. He's handed the captaincy back to returning back-rower Liam Messam, one of a number of All Blacks responsible for the Chiefs' highly-valued culture.

"What people would be amazed by is the humility of top rugby players over here," Symons said. "Sonny [Bill Williams] is there first and leaves last pretty much every day. He is very studious. All the All Black boys are really down to earth, work really hard and no hint of an ego. I find that really inspiring."