If new Wallabies call-up Tane Edmed takes the field in the gold jersey next month, there will be cult-like pocked of New Zealand fans cheering him on as one of their own.
Edmed went over the Tasman in search of further game time and captivated the NPC competition with his standout performances.
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It saw him recognised by Wallabies selectors, with Edmed firmly on the radar after his selection in his maiden Spring Tour squad for the Grand Slam tour.
The red-haired, ball-carrying threat was an instant social media darling. Tane became Tãne as Edmed racked up the highlight reel tries.
“It was a bit interesting. I thought it was a bit much at times,” Edmed said and smiled when asked about his newfound fame by Rugby.com.au last week.
“I was getting a fair bit of social media attention and stuff like that which was a little bit much at times but at the same time I was super grateful that they adopted me and it made my transition to New Zealand really easy.
North Harbour missed the finals, but Edmed was named player of the year for the club, as he finished as the competition’s highest point scorer.
“I love my time there and super appreciative of everyone that made my journey what it was.
“It was a bit much but at the same time, I’m super grateful for it and the great experience.”
His 33-point effort against Manawatu was the performance that caught everyone’s attention as Edmed was near perfect in a two-try ten-goal.
This includes Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, not just because Manawatu was his old side as a player.
Schmidt was quick to call him into the Canberra camp last week to see his development up close.
“I wouldn’t say we were in conversations heaps but I do know (Joe) was checking in, seeing how I was going and shooting me a text every now and then saying I was doing well and maybe some work ons,” Edmed explained.
“I wasn’t super sure what was going on with these squads just like everyone, it was a wait and see.
“He was definitely checking in which was awesome. He didn’t have to do that, didn’t expect it but it’s always good to get feedback from a coach of his calibre.”
Edmed credits the incredible backline at his disposal for rediscovering his confidence after a lean Super Rugby season.
“I had Bryn Hall at nine and he was massive for me just around leadership, communication and footy IQ. I was constantly picking his brain all the time and he was awesome for me,” he added.
“You then have Shaun Stevenson who was also great. He’s got 90-odd caps for the Chiefs and he’s an All Blacks so he was great.
“But that backline, they were unbelievable to have outside me. That was a lot of fun.”
