MARK van Gisbergen has gone from arriving in England as an electrician with rugby-playing aspirations to being picked for the England squad in three years.
The Kiwi-born full back was named in Andy Robinson's 30-man England squad for the Autumn internationals alongside Josh Lewsey, Matt Dawson, Stuart Abbott, Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley.
Van Gisbergen only qualified to play for England this month after he completed three years residency and he is now on the verge of his first cap.
He said: "I'm excited and honoured to be selected. It is the next step up for me, and will be a very big challenge. International rugby is on another level in term of intensity and it will be a new experience for me, but one I am greatly looking forward to."
Van Gisbergen, who never played professional rugby in New Zealand was snapped up by ex-Wasps coach Warren Gatland, originally as back-up for Alex King.
But a series of quality performances at 15 persuaded Gatland that van Gisbergen's talents lay at full back.
An additional feature of van Gisbergn's play is his place kicking and, against Worcester on Sunday, he made it a record 28 kicks out of 28 equalling Jonny Wilkinson's record.
He also has the highest kicking percentage of anyone currently playing in the Premiership and that could help take the pressure off likely fly half Charlie Hodgson.
Van Gisbergen, who leads this season's points scoring table in the Premiership, said: "I don't mind having that pressure, I enjoy it if anything, but whether they choose that role for me with England, we'll have to wait and see.
"I'll just be taking things game by game, just as I do at Wasps. If I get an opportunity, I'll look to make the most of it.
"It would be fantastic to get some pitch-time during the Autumn international series and, if I do, I'll just be aiming to put in a good performance and take it from there."
Wasps coach Shaun Edwards reckons van Gisbergen will be more than ready for the challenge.
He said: "Giz has played in three Premiership Finals and a Heineken Cup Final. These games prepare players for international rugby, they are the pressure situations.
"He's used to playing in those situations at Twickenham and he deserves his chance. He's dedicated, that sticks out a long way, and his work ethic is second to none.
"He's worked very hard at his rugby since he joined us three seasons ago, particularly on his kicking. He didn't come to us as a kicker, but he has put the hours in to become the player you see now."
Director of Rugby, Ian McGeechan added: "Everyone at Wasps is delighted for Mark. He is a quality player and, having had the opportunity to work with him and see how he performs at first hand, I'm sure he's one for the big occasion.
"He has reached the point in his career when he is achieving the sort of consistency in his performances that is required of an international player and he is ready for another challenge in another arena."
The Autumn series starts on November 12 when England entertain Australia. they play New Zealand a week later and Samoa on November 26.
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