Lomax only second

‘‘It’s a different sport to what my family would probably like, they’re pretty into their league, but they’re really happy. Tyrel Lomax

Those who remember former Kiwis hardman John Lomax probably won’t be surprised to hear he didn’t blubber like a baby when he found out his son had cracked the All Blacks.

Of course, that’s not to say the former Canberra Raider and North Queensland Cowboy, who played 15 tests for the Kiwis between 1993 and 1998, isn’t chuffed Tyrel Lomax could pull on the black jersey against Japan in Tokyo next month.

Tasman tighthead Tyrel, one of 51 players named to take part in the looming northern tour, is the first son of a former Kiwis international selected for the All Blacks in 82 years – and only the second in history.

‘‘He’s pretty proud, eh. He’s stoked for me. He said congratulations, well done, and to make the family proud,’’ Tyrel said.

‘‘It’s a different sport to what my family would probably like, they’re pretty into their league, but they’re really happy.’’

Hawke’s Bay prop Everard Jackson, who earned six caps between 1936-1938, was the first. He was the son of Fred Jackson, a British rugby union convert, who played for the Kiwis in 1910.

Monday’s inclusion in coach Steve Hansen’s hefty squad came as a surprise to Tyrel, who along with fellow Tasman players David Havili and Tim Perry will head to Japan after their Mitre 10 Cup campaign is over.

Tyrel, born and raised in Australia, played league growing up, before switching to union in his last two years of secondary school in Canberra.

Despite copping some stick at home for the switch, the now 22-year-old went on to play for the Australian under-20 side against their Kiwi counterparts in 2015. Two years later, he secured a Super Rugby contract with the Rebels.

However, he wanted to play for the All Blacks, and New Zealand Rugby were keen for a player some have compared to former All Black prop Carl Hayman to give it a nudge.

After signing with Tasman and the Highlanders last year, the Dunedin-based franchise initially weren’t to get their hands on him until 2019, but they negotiated an early release with the Rebels.

Tyrel, one of eight uncapped players named in the ABs, played 15 games (nine starts) the past Super season, and in July told Stuff the first thing he noticed after his move was the need to improve his fitness.

‘‘Just my position as a tighthead prop, you’ve got to have a lot of patience and it takes a while to learn your trade, so I wasn’t expecting it to be this quick.

‘‘I’m stoked,’’ Lomax said of his selection.

The fact Counties and Chiefs tighthead Nepo Laulala has recovered from his broken arm also played a part in Tyrel being caught off guard, although it’s no secret the All Blacks’ selectors

have been keeping a close eye on him.

‘‘He’s a big lump, he’s a guy that’s still got a bit of work to do, but we like what we see – he’s getting better as a tighthead,’’ selector Grant Fox said on Monday.

‘‘We will get a chance to get our hands on him and hopefully polish him a little bit more.

‘‘He’s an exciting young prosect for the future.’’

The All Blacks have not flooded him with homework before flying to Japan, instead allowing him to concentrate on helping Tasman win their first national provincial title.

Tyrel will likely get a crack at one of his new teammates in Nelson tonight, when Tasman host Canterbury in the first of two premiership finals.

All Blacks loosehead Joe Moody will play for the reigning champions, before leaving for Yokohama to prepare for the third Bledisloe Cup test.

‘‘I’m very excited for that, he’s probably the best loosehead in the world at the moment,’’ Lomax said.

‘‘The final [we lost against Canterbury] last year left a bitter taste in our mouths.

‘‘So, to get another crack is a good thing, especially at home,’’ he said.