Putting family first is the why Ben Mowen is leaving Australian rugby, but it’s also the reason why rival No.8 Wycliff Palu is staying put.

Incumbent Wallabies captain Mowen revealed on Thursday he would leave Australia at the end of this year and play in France.

He felt he would spend more time with his wife and young daughter in one country than he would travelling with the Wallabies.

“It must be be a pretty big decision to walk away from captaining your country,” said a surprised Palu at Waratahs training.

“If I was captain of Australia, I wouldn’t be walking away like that.”

Palu has invariably been linked to overseas clubs whenever his contract has come up for renewal in the past.

Just last year there was talk he would have a rugby sabbatical in Japan, before he ultimately committed to two more years in Australia.

Asked why he opted to stay at home, Palu said: “I think family and, stuff like that.

“I wanted to leave something behind, not just in Australian rugby, especially NSW, because they have done a lot for me and I just want to give back to the game before I head off.”

When it was suggested Mowen’s departure would remove one obstacle to his World Cup selection in 2015 Palu said: “I’m not thinking too far ahead.

“It would be disrespectful to these (Waratahs) blokes here.

“I’m just going to try to have a good season with the Tahs and go from there.”

Palu missed most of last year’s Test program with a knee issue.

The injury-prone forward said his body was feeling good as he enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season after missing the Wallabies’ Spring tour.

“I think it was the best thing to happen to me to stay back and do a full pre-season,” Palu said.

One more Test appearance will give Palu his 50th cap, a milestone he said would be pretty special.

“I think it’s taken me 50 years to get there – that’s what it feels like,” Palu joked.

He said prize recruit Kurtley Beale was settling back well into the Waratahs after returning from Melbourne.

“Like he never left really,” Palu said.

“Just the spark he has around the group is awesome, so it’s good to have him back.”