It's the news any aspiring Kiwi rugby player wants to hear, and Hurricanes fullback Ruben Love has heard it, named in the 36-man All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship for the first time.
"It's pretty special, it's everything I've always dreamed of," Love told 1News.
Finding out via social media, Ruben's family were quick to congratulate the newest All Black.
"I'm just feeling proud of him," said Ava Riwaka.
Ruben Love, 23, credits family support with his success. (Source: 1News)
"I'm really proud of him, he doesn't eat chocolate and stuff, and he works hard," said Mya Love.
No one is prouder than his parents, with dad and former Māori All Black Matene Love emotional at the news.
"All he ever wanted to do was be an All Black, so we are so proud of him," he said. "He has achieved his goal."
Love credits family support, recalling memories from when his rugby journey started.
"Every time I train or make a decision to eat good to do the right thing, it's always them at the forefront of my mind," he said.
"Thinking back to all the times family would come watch me play under-5s, under-10s and the times my parents brought me rugby boots... having the memories flow through my head has been special."
Love, 23, has trained with the All Blacks through July, but this is his first official call-up.
"I really enjoyed it," he said. "I learned a lot, learning off Beauden [Barrett], Damian McKenzie and Stephen Perofeta."
The All Blacks start their Rugby Championship against Argentina in Wellington on August 10.
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