Former Gunnedah junior Ben Gunter is in line to make his test debut for Japan after being named in the Brave Blossoms' squad for their Autumn internationals against the Wallabies, Ireland, Portugal and Scotland.
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The backrower is one of 10 uncapped players in the 37-man squad, which was trimmed down from a 44-player training group last month.
The 23-year old's selection comes on the back of a strong season for the Panasonic Wild Knights, who in May won their fourth, and the final, Japanese Top League title.
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After being selected in the 36-strong Japan squad for their historic two tests against the British and Irish Lions (he didn't end up getting a start), the St Mary's College alumnus, spoke of how he was on the verge of giving rugby away.
"A couple of years ago when I finished high school in Australia and I had no option, I had no offer from any clubs, I was close to joining the army," he told AAP.
"Then obviously Robbie (Deans) and Panasonic came knocking on the door and they gave me a chance. They believed in me."
Gunter hasn't looked back.
He has been a mainstay of the Knights' backrow, has experienced Super Rugby with the Sunwolves in 2019 and been in and around the national set-up for the past two years.
Japan will kick-off their autumn tour with a home test against the Wallabies on October 23.
They then move on to Europe to play Ireland on November 6, Portugal on November 13 and Scotland on November 13.
