Black Ferns selection has probably come as a bigger shock - and not a pleasant one - to Hannah King's parents than it did for the rookie Hurricanes Poua first-five herself.
The young playmaker is one of three newcomers to the NZ women's team, as they prepare for the Pacific Four tournament this month. She joins Matatū halfback Maia Joseph and Blues lock Maama Vaipulu for their first international campaign against USA, Canada and Australia.
Since the end of Super Rugby Aupiki, King, 20, has been back on the family farm in Canterbury and news of her elevation initially caused some consternation to her mother and father.
"It was a pretty surreal feeling," she admitted. "I was by myself, watching some rugby at Waihora Rugby Club, and just got a phone call.
"I didn't know the number, but it was [Ferns coach Allan Bunting] and my stomach just dropped. It was real emotional.
"My parents weren't home, they were up in Napier, so I called them. I was home alone and in tears, and they were, like, 'What's happened to the farm?'
"I told them, 'Nothing's happened to the farm'. They were pretty stoked and it was a pretty surreal feeling - one to remember for a lifetime."
King's progress through provincial rugby has been assisted by legendary Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge, who retired as the most-capped NZ women's international after the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
"Kendra's been a massive help for me," she said. "She was named my mentor when I was about 16, so it's been quite nice... I've had her for a wee while.
"She's from a similar farming background and just has so much knowledge. Anytime I need anything, she's just on the edge of the home.
"We catch up quite often for coffee dates to just talk – anything really, rugby or non-rugby related. She's always been a massive help and a big part in helping me get to where I am at the moment."
King also credits her farming background for building her personal character.
"I'm still living on the farm, when I'm down in Christchurch," she said. "My parents worked really hard to get that farm going, so that work ethic has really played with me in the rugby scene.
"I've always wanted to have that drive. They're always at home, trying to find some way better to increase the farm profit.
"It's also quite nice having something outside rugby. It's been my passion and I definitely want to end up in the ag sector somewhere.
"I love looking after animals and riding horses, so it's quite nice to have the best of both worlds."
