Former University A forward Justin Ives has made a large Japan squad and is line to play in this year's World Cup.
Ives, who was born in Dunedin and went to Taieri College, played for Otago B but not for Otago.
He was named yesterday in a 41-strong squad by Japanese coach, former All Black John Kirwan.
The squad will be reduced to 30 for the Asian Five Nations tournament in April and May, with a further selection made for the Pacific Nations Cup in July.
The Japanese World Cup squad will be announced in late August.
Ives, a lock, played for the Sanyo club in Japan, the same club as new Highlanders recruit and former All Black Tony Brown.
Ives' father, Neville, said his son was thrilled to be named in the large squad and was due back in New Zealand today. He is to be married to Emily Cox in Nelson at the end of the month. The couple have two children.
Ives (25) went to Japan for an initial six-week period in 2007 to play for Sanyo and made such an impression he went back on a more permanent contract in early 2008.
That two-year contract was renewed last year for another two years and he will be at Sanyo for at least another year.
His father said Ives enjoyed the lifestyle in Japan and the life of a professional rugby player. He had just completed his building apprenticeship when he left New Zealand.
He had qualified to play for Japan after spending three years in the country. Sanyo won the Japan Top League, although the club lost the All-Japan Championships final 37-20 to Suntory Sungoliath on Sunday night.
Ives played for University A but his path to the Otago team was blocked by the likes of Tom Donnelly and Ross Kennedy.
If Ives does make it to the World Cup he may face the All Blacks, as Japan plays the home team in a pool game in Hamilton on September 16.
Ives will have to be back in Japan by April 1 for a training camp, shortly after his wedding.
