Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava has described the emotional phone call he had with his family in Tonga after he was named in the All Blacks squad to play Ireland in July.
The 22-year-old was one of six uncapped players named in coach Ian Foster's side for the three-match series, and was included over the likes of veterans TJ Perenara and Brad Weber.
Fakatava was only deemed eligible for New Zealand after World Rugby recently introduced new eligibility criteria for players.
He could be a surprise inclusion for the first test at Eden Park, with Highlanders teammate Aaron Smith battling a groin injury and Finlay Christie the only other halfback in the squad.
Fakatava has revealed the moments his family found out about his call-up to the All Blacks, and the message they had for him.
"I think it [squad announcement ] was already over the internet before I called them," he told Newshub.
"I didn't know they were watching it live. I called them straight away and we didn't really say much, we were just crying and my mum said a prayer.
"They were just so proud and kept telling me to keep going."
Fakatava has been on the All Blacks radar for a while now, but with contention surrounding his eligibility status, it wasn't until World Rugby's announcement he was seriously considered.
He admits he was still surprised by the call-up, and has had to pinch himself after his first day in All Blacks camp.
"I love rugby, I love the game and learning more led me to be the best - and that's when there were dreams of playing Super Rugby. I could never have imagined myself," Fakatava said.
"The first day was surreal, the boys really welcomed me. I'm looking forward to getting into it, I'm pretty excited. I'm willing to learn more and take my preparation to the next level."
Smith admits seeing Fakatava and Christie's names before his own had his nerves jittering, but he's delighted to see his Super Rugby teammate get the nod.
"Folau's come a long way in a couple of years with us and minus an injury, he's been outstanding," he said.
"Finlay and Folau were named pretty early on and I was thinking 'phew, there's a few other halfbacks to go', but I was thrilled to hear Folau's name.
"All the work we put in together, I was just really happy for him and I know how special the first time is and I couldn't be more proud of him with how far he's come this year."
