Imagine someone from New Zealand playing in the National Hockey League and you get an idea of what Tyler Ardron is doing for Canadian rugby.

The Lakefield native, who turns 27 on Saturday, is the first Canadian to play for a New Zealand team in the Super Rugby League. He is just the third Canadian to play in what is considered the world's highest-calibre league. It features 15 teams in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Japan.

After making a name in Great Britain starring for Welsh-based The Ospreys, Ardron signed a two-year contract with the Chiefs of Hamilton, New Zealand. He went there to play the best calibre available and expected it might take a season to earn a starting role. He missed week one recovering from wrist surgery and came off the bench in week two. He didn't play game three but when he got a starting role in game four he took advantage. He ripped off a 50-metre run that made highlight reels and scored a try.

He's started ever since. He's twice been named to the Super Rugby Team of the Week and been nominated for Player of the Week.

"It's definitely lived up to my expectations," said Ardron. "I was hopeful this year to put a stamp on it and put my name out there to be a contender for a good spot. I got lucky as you kind of need in sport. An injury happened at my position (lock) and I was able to get a start.

"I managed to get my spot a lot sooner and with a lot more certainty than I expected."

Ardron knew he'd have to prove himself to teammates and fans. The coaches knew what they were getting as forwards coach Neil Barnes was on Canada's 2015 World Rugby Cup staff.

"They're used to being the best in the world and don't feel the need to bring in foreigners most of the time," said Ardron. "Personally, I didn't get any of it, but all over the media I know the fans were pretty upset they signed a Canadian. They couldn't believe they'd waste a spot but some of the best rugby I've ever played were the first few games with the club. As soon as that happened things really turned around. They're a very passionate group of fans. Rugby is all they care about. It was actually better that it was that way because I exceeded their low expectations and went above and beyond. Now it's amazing."

Ardron is in Canada for Team Canada's test series against Scotland, Russia and United States. He missed the first game in Edmonton last week due to a concussion. He expected to play against Russia this Saturday in Ottawa but came down with a virus. He's over the virus but was ruled out of the lineup for lack of training time. He'll miss the U.S. game as he returns to New Zealand next week as the Chiefs ready for the playoffs.

He'll rejoin Canada in November for a four-country tournament in France that is Canada's last chance to qualify for the 2019 World Rugby Cup.

Once the Super Rugby season ends Ardron will play for Bay of Plenty, a provincial team in the New Zealand national league which plays a three-month season.

Mike.Davies@peterboroughdaily.com