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NEIL Wagner, the South African-born left-arm seamer, says the quota system did not make him leave the country to pursue his sporting goals elsewhere.

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Wagner moved to New Zealand in 2008, qualified to represent the Black Caps just over two weeks ago and was included in their test squad to play West Indies in July.

Instead of blaming the quota system as he first did, Wagner acknowledged the reason he struggled to secure a deal in South Africa was because of the quality of competition from other bowlers.

"There was a lot said about politics in the first year that I left and it was made to sound like that was the only reason I left and that's not the case at all," Wagner said.

"The Titans had a very strong bowling line-up. It was very tough to get into the team and get an opportunity and maybe I didn't play as well as I should have or could have."

Wagner came into contention for provincial selection at the same time as bowlers such as Albie and Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn and Andre Nel were at the core of the Titans attack.

Despite topping the amateur bowling charts in the 2006-07 season, when he took 39 wickets at an average of 16.43, Wagner was unable to break into the Titans or displace one of the stalwarts.

With no other teams showing interest in the left-armer, Wagner decided to pursue options in England, where he was recruited by Otago coach Mike Hesson.