Playing for the Maori All Blacks was an "awesome experience" for new Munster man Alex Nankivell. The versatile back debuted for the Maori side in 2019 and played against Ireland last year.
The experience was enhanced by it leading to some gaps being filled in his family tree.
"It was a bit of a surprise getting called in," Nankivell told the Munster Rugby YouTube channel.
"Obviously, you've got to have Maori heritage. My dad's adopted, so he didn't know his parents but he knew through the grapevine somehow that he was Maori.
12 July 2022; Alex Nankivell of Maori All Blacks is tackled by Ciaran Frawley, left, and Gavin Coombes of Ireland during the match between the Maori All Blacks and Ireland at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
"There was lots of digging and it was pretty special, we ended up finding my dad's birth father. He knew his birth mother, we found her a few years ago, but then we found his birth father and all his family.
"It was pretty cool. I got to represent the Maori All Blacks, my family and extended family and where I'm from. Also, a part of it too was got to find my dad's family."
Nankivell joined Munster from Super Rugby side the Chiefs where Ireland international and current teammate John Ryan played this year. Nankivell made his Munster debut against the Sharks last month.
"It's honestly been unreal," said Nankivell.
"I had a bit of anxiety coming over, not really knowing too many people but John Ryan helped me out a lot. He was the bridge between coming from the Chiefs to here. It's been awesome. The lads have looked after me.
10 November 2023; Alex Nankivell of Munster is tackled by Eric O’Sullivan of Ulster during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Munster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
"I've pretty much been a rugby nut since I was a kid, wanted to play for the All Blacks - it's a big Kiwi dream back home. I played rugby since I was five years old. I grew up in Christchurch and was then fortunate enough to get a professional contract out of school.
"I went to Tasman Mako as an 18-year-old and after a couple of seasons there, I got a Super Rugby contract with the Chiefs.
"Obviously the calibre of player we had at the Chiefs was pretty insane. To play with guys like Sam Cane, Damian McKenze, it was awesome as a young guy coming into the group.
"We did really well the last few years. It's a shame we couldn't get the win in the final this season."
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