It seems everyone wants a piece of Northland rugby player Rene Ranger, including the All Blacks.
Yesterday the 23-year-old Northlander was named in the New Zealand Barbarian team to play the Maori All Blacks
in Whangarei on
June 12.
But on Monday the All Black officials decided to draft the pacy back into their training squad to cover injuries.
Ranger's ascension comes despite the fact he is before the courts in relation to an alleged assault in the carpark of a Mangawhai pub that left a man in need of medical treatment.
The call-up gave the Northland Taniwha player hope he could still make the country's top rugby side.
"It shows they are still having a good look at me. I was gutted I didn't get named in the team but now I'm only one injury away from getting in."
He was to join "the boys" today in Auckland.
"I meet the boys and have lunch then go train."
While Ranger is no stranger to the international rugby stage, having played in winning NZ sevens sides and in the Junior All Blacks last year, footing it with the best is a daunting prospect.
"I'm pretty nervous ... it's the All Blacks after all," he said yesterday.
"It's an awesome opportunity and I'm sure it will be high intensity. I'll just give it all I've got."
He will train with the All Blacks tomorrow and Saturday before flying with them to New Plymouth where he will train with the team until Tuesday ahead of the weekend test match against the Irish.
Ranger is covering for Mils Muliaina and Richard Kahui, who have both been battling injuries this season.
If Ranger is not needed by the All Blacks he will line up in the NZ Barbarian side against the Maori All Blacks on June 12.
Northland coach and Barbarians selector Bryce Woodward said it was exciting to have a Northland-based player being called into training with the All Blacks.
It was announced at the Northland squad training on Tuesday night with Ranger there.
"You could just see the pride on his face when we announced the squad. It's a real credit to him and the work he has done over the last three years to push himself into the frame," Mr Woodward said.
Ranger made his debut for the Northland Taniwha in July 2006 and in the same year he was selected by Gordon Tietjens to represent the New Zealand Sevens team.
He played for the Blues in the 2009 Super 14 season.
Ranger was selected for the Junior All Blacks on the back of his form for the Blues in the 2009 season. That same season he helped Wellsford win its first Premier club competition.
Northland pride as ABs call for Ranger
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