Liam Squire becomes Tasman's first home-grown All Black
Loose forward Liam Squire has just become the Tasman Rugby Union's first home-grown All Black.
The Tasman Rugby Union is celebrating its first homegrown All Black following Liam Squire's selection in this year's initial All Blacks squad named in Auckland on Sunday.
The Makos have had a host of All Blacks in its player ranks over the past 10 seasons, but 25-year-old Squire is the first one to have come through the Tasman system.
The dynamic loose forward is one of six new caps named in the 32-man squad to prepare for the three-test Steinlager Series against Wales starting at Auckland's Eden Park on June 11.
"I rang Dad and he didn't really believe me at the start, and then I called Mum and they're over the moon.
Liam Squire, third from left, is one of six new caps named by coach Steve Hansen in the 32-man All Blacks squad.
"It's pretty awesome, it's been a bit of a goal for me, so get named, it was a pretty surreal experience."
A keen hunter, Squire's surprise call-up has forced him to re-evaluate his plans, including asking a mate back in Dunedin to look after his three dogs, Pip, Pride and Fly, for the next few weeks.
Tasman Rugby Union chairman Ken Beams said it was a significant milestone for both Squire and the union.
"It's just outstanding to have Liam as Tasman's first All Black," Beams said.
"It's a proud moment for himself and for his family and he has the support of all the Tasman region going forward and we wish him all the best.
"It's really a fantastic thing for Tasman rugby - unreal. He's had a few knocks, but he's bounced back, done very well at the Highlanders and reaped the rewards."
Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis said it was "fantastic" news.
"It's kudos for the development of Liam under [former Tasman coach] Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald over the last four years and we wish him well and look forward to watching him play in Black," Lewis said.
Originally from Manawatu, where he attended Palmerston North Boys' High School, Squire made his provincial rugby debut in 2011 for the Tasman Makos and has represented both the Marist and Nelson clubs.
Squire made his Super Rugby debut with the Chiefs in 2014 before a shift south to the Highlanders in 2016.
Squire's had to deal with some serious injuries over the years, notably after fracturing his spine while playing for Old Boys Marist during the 2010 Manawatu senior club competition. He was out of action for eight months before a successful recovery encouraged his return to the playing field ahead of his arrival in Nelson in 2011.
He also suffered a season-ending broken ankle in a Nelson club match in 2012, but has overcome all the odds to now reach the pinnacle of New Zealand rugby.
He trained with the All Blacks in 2014 and in 2015 missed just one game for the Makos, with his strong ball-carrying coming to the fore. Squire has also played for the Maori All Blacks.
