Rugby: Squire shocked by naming in All Blacks

Who said the era of the bolter was over?

All Black coach Steve Hansen and his selection panel put that idea to bed when they called up Highlanders loose forward Liam Squire for next month's three-test series.

Squire (25) has been a bruising ball runner for the Highlanders after moving south from the Chiefs this season.

The ability has always been apparent with Squire, but the No8 has been plagued by injuries, restricting him to just 14 appearances for the Chiefs in 2014 and 2015 including six months out with concussion issues last year.

Squire has been an inspiring option making valuable yards off the back of the scrum with his 113kg frame, but he certainly was not expecting a phone call from the All Blacks camp on Saturday.

With the Highlanders on a break for the international window, Squire had arranged a hunting trip, but had to call his friend to look after his dogs after his impromptu trip to Auckland.

"I've got a few dogs in Dunedin that I had to loan out yesterday,'' Squire told Sky Sports presenter Melodie Robinson.

The Palmerston North native said it was a bit of a shock to get the phone call, and he had trouble convincing his father as well.

"I rang Dad and had a yarn to him and he didn't believe me at the start, and then I rang Mum. They're over the moon.

"It's pretty awesome - it's been a bit of a goal for me. To get named is a surreal experience.''

While Squire was contemplating going bush, fellow Highlander Elliot Dixon (26) was gearing up for son Huxley's first birthday party when he got a phone call at 11am on Saturday.

"I told my partner, then as my parents were leaving the party at 3 or 4 o'clock, I told them and they started crying, which was quite emotional for me as well.''

Dixon has been one of the Highlanders' best over the last two seasons, including his man-of-the-match performance in last year's Super 15 final, vindicating his decision to leave Christchurch for Invercargill in 2010 for more opportunities.

"I've been really enjoying my rugby down at the Highlanders and the brand of rugby we've been playing just suits me to a T.''

Dixon had another reason to celebrate on Saturday as he and his partner announced the sex of their next child with a blue cake at the birthday party.

"We've got another boy on the way.''

Highlanders lock Tom Franklin is not officially an All Black yet, but his inclusion as injury cover for Sam Whitelock means he is very much on the radar.

"I'll just put my best foot forward, and give it everything I've got and show the coaches I've got what it takes to take the next step,'' Franklin (25) told Radio Sport's Nigel Yalden.