At the start of the year, All Blacks prop Karl Tu'inukuafe was unknown to most New Zealanders, but his rapid rise up the ranks has seen him nominated for World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
The 25-year-old's story is a remarkable one, as in little more than six months, he went from not having a Super Rugby contract to making his All Blacks debut off the bench, in the first test against France in June.
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The loosehead prop made four further appearances off the bench, before his first start against Argentina and retaining his place for the final three matches of New Zealand's Rugby Championship-winning campaign.
The Chiefs only signed him because of their front-row injury crisis and his form was rewarded with a surprise international call-up.
Tu'inukuafe is one of three players nominated for the award, including Springboks winger Aphiwe Dyantyi and Irish utility back Jordan Larmour.
Two of three previous winners of the award have been All Blacks, with Nehe Milner-Skudder claiming the inaugural prize in 2015 and winger Rieko Ioane tasting victory last year. England lock Maro Itoje beat out Anton Lienert-Brown and Ardie Savea to win the 2016 award.
"The World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award recognises the most exciting talent to burst onto the international 15s or sevens stage during the year, and highlights the 'ones to watch'," said World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont.
"There were several outstanding candidates and the process of whittling the selection down to a shortlist was tough for the panel.
"We have three outstanding candidates, who would be worthy recipients of this prestigious award."
To be eligible for this award, players must have played less than one year of senior international rugby, with former internationals Jamie Heaslip, Felipe Contepomi and Phaidra Knight sitting alongside members of the media on the panel that selects the shortlist.
This is one of 13 award categories, including the World Rugby Men's and Women's 15s Players of the Year, World Rugby Team of the Year, World Rugby Men's and Women's Sevens Players of the Year and Award for Character.
The winners will be revealed at the World Rugby Awards in Monte Carlo on November 26 (NZ time).
Newshub.
