Before that, the towering Kiwi - who has also played for the Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs in years gone by - had spent three years in Japan, with Honda Heat.
Having returned to his native New Zealand, Triggs had envisioned seeing out his playing days there, until Leo Cullen's Leinster came calling.
"Going home from Japan I said I'd never go overseas again," he told Leinster TV. "That was an adventure in itself - great country, different culture.
"After Super Rugby finished and my contract finished in New Zealand there were options there, but the name 'Leinster' came up and I just couldn't turn down that opportunity."
Not everything about his new club is unfamiliar to Triggs, however, with fellow former Auckland Blue Isa Nacewa also strutting his stuff at the RDS.
The 33-year-old full-back - and stand-in captain - ended a two-year retirement, during which time he coached Triggs at the Blues, to return to the province this season.
And he has begun the new season with three tries in four GUINNESS PRO12 games, as well as kicking 24 points from the tee, to prove he has not lost his touch.
"I've nothing but respect for what Isa's doing," added Triggs.
"I played against him when I was a bit younger but at the Blues he was kind of our mentor, our go-to guy for the players. It's going to be awesome.
"We always knew he could play again and wondered why he didn't get the boots on. I just can't wait to get amongst it with him once I get the opportunity."
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