Kane Le'aupepe

Whirlwind rise for Manu Samoa's Kane Le'aupepe

The 26-year-old can now add professional rugby player to that list since being called into the Hurricanes squad at the end of March.

The Wellington-born Le'aupepe has benefitted from a dearth of second row depth in the capital, making his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Crusaders and has since accumulated four caps and a try for his home-town team, including starts against the Highlanders and Chiefs.

Le'aupepe, who was also a late call-up to Samoa's end of year tour squad in November, admitted it has all happened very quickly.