The incredible story of Karl Tu'inukuafe the All Blacks latest debut

The Barrett's will steal the spotlight following Steve Hansen's first team announcement of 2018 but Chiefs prop Karl Tu'inukuafe has an inspiring story that led to him being called up to the All Blacks squad.

The 25-year-old loosehead prop Karl Tu'inukuafe first came to prominence back in 2010 as part of the massive First XV front row at Auckland's Wesley College, where he propped alongside fellow Chief and All Black Nepo Laulala.

Tu'inukuafe made Counties Manukau age-grade teams and then took a couple of seasons off after school. 

During his time off Tu'inukuafe gained so much weight that doctors warned him that at 170kg his weight was life-threating and he had to make a lifestyle change, which saw him return to rugby with North Harbour in 2015

He spent a season in French club rugby before returning home and was called into the Chiefs squad late last year by Coach Colin Cooper, initially in a development capacity.

At the start of the Super Rugby season, he was the Chiefs 5th choice loosehead prop but injuries saw him being selected regularly this year, leading to his call up.