Hardie risks future for Scotland
Hardie is hoping to win a place in Scotland's World Cup squad by invoking the grandparent clause but if he fails to make the side he is uncertain of his future after September 1.
The 27-year-old was whisked over to Scotland after helping the Highlanders win the Super Rugby title and is in a revamped Scottish squad named by their Kiwi coach Vern Cotter for the World Cup warm-up test in Italy.
He is however in a World Cup race against fellow Kiwi converts Blair Cowan and Hugh Blake and he says his chances of signing with the Glasgow or Edinburgh professional sides are unlikely.
"I have signed a contract for a couple of more weeks and after that we will need to wait and see. I haven't signed for Edinburgh or Glasgow so I've taken a big risk coming over here," he told TheCourier.co.uk.
"I want to stay in the Northern Hemisphere and play for Scotland, if selected. I could do that by playing in England or France and I'll need to look at my options because there is no fall back in terms of going back to the Highlanders in New Zealand."
Hardie is well aware of his situation and said it was one of 'life's challenges'.
"I'm totally committed to Scotland now, you've got to back your own ability and it's about getting out there and performing. The next few weeks are going to be important for everyone and I am really no different," he said.
Having shared in the Highlanders' Super Rugby success, Hardie said the move had been on the cards for some time and was just a matter of timing.
"It's been a bit like the first week at a new school and there are a few boys from the Southern Hemisphere here that have helped me a lot, but all the guys have been good if I am honest," he said.
While his grandmother left Fife for New Zealand when she was a teenager, he said, he knew he had to show his teammates how much the jersey meant to him.
"I know how much pride is in that jersey and I know the history too. You know by the way the boys train and the way they talk that it's a massive thing, and it's something I will honour," he said.
