Waisake Naholo had to fight back his tears when telling his family in Fiji that he has been selected for the All Blacks.
Naholo says he has left his agent to negotiate his release from the two‑year deal he signed with French club Clermont before the Super Rugby season began.
Less than 24 hours after scoring two tries in the Highlanders' 24‑14 win over the Chiefs in their Super Rugby quarterfinal in Dunedin, Naholo discovered his move to the Highlanders from the Blues had paid another massive dividend.
The wing did not turn up for the announcement of the All Blacks squad, instead hearing about his inclusion when friends bombarded him with texts.
Then came the moment when he dialled through to his parents in Nadroumai Village in Nadroga.
Naholo will be up against Taqele Naiyaravoro when the Highlanders take on the Waratahs in their Super Rugby semi-final this Saturday.
The Waratahs will host the Highlanders at 9.40pm Saturday while the Brumbies will face the Hurricanes in the first semi-final at 7.35pm.
