Coming on late in last weekend's match between the Maori All Blacks and Japan, former Otago winger Karne Hesketh made his international debut.
Hesketh (29) came on to the wing for Japan in the dying stages of the home side's 61-21 loss to New Zealand Maori in Kobe.
Hesketh played 35 games for Otago from 2006 to 2009 but despite some impressive form never cracked the Highlanders.
He was a strong, bustling type of player who had real ability to break the tackle.
Originally a flanker, he was moved to the wing when he started playing premier club rugby in Dunedin and was a constant attacking threat.
Many questioned why he did not make the Highlanders but concerns about his defence worried coaches and he never made a Super 15 squad.
When he missed selection after a standout 2009 season with Otago, he moved to Japan before the start of the 2010 season and linked with Sanix Blues.
Hesketh has been there ever since and has qualified for the Japanese team through residency.
Hesketh's partner, Carla Hohepa, has played rugby for New Zealand and was a star at the 2010 Rugby World Cup.
She is in contention for the New Zealand Sevens team and shares her time between Japan and Hamilton.
