Scholar gets All Blacks call-up

The squad is in South Africa for the Rugby Championship, and Fletcher, a prop, will cover for injured front-rower Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

He said he missed All Blacks manager Darren Shand's phone call to tell him of his selection, but when Shand sent a text, he "answered quicker than he had ever responded to a text before".

"It was pretty surreal when he gave me the news. It's just an awesome moment and I can't really put any words together."

The Bachelor of Land and Property Management student has performed well for the Crusaders this year, and joins Lincoln alumni and former Sports Scholars Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Jordie Barrett and Jack Goodhue in the squad.

Image: Fraser Newell scores for the Rams.