Chiefs' hooker Nathan Harris is one camp away from reaching new rugby heights after being named in the 35-strong All Black wider training group.

Chiefs' hooker Nathan Harris in a disallowed try attempt against the Lions. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The 22-year-old Te Puke rake is one of new four players to attend two camps ahead of next month's three-test series against England. Harris is joined by Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu, Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman and centre Malakai Fekitoa.

His shock inclusion caps a remarkable rise for Harris who at the beginning of this Super Rugby season wasn't even named in the Chiefs wider training group.

But with Hika Elliot ruled out for the season with a neck injury, Mahonri Schwalger plagued with injuries and Rhys Marshall's throwing off the mark, Harris has taken his chance off the bench before starting the last two games.

And after climbing the ranks through Bay of Plenty and the New Zealand under-20s, his Te Puke Sports premier coach Craig Jeffries is not surprised by the selection.

Harris was also part of the All Blacks' hooker apprentice scheme last season.

Jeffries believes the 22-year-old has worked hard on developing the necessary skill set for international rugby, having coached Harris since Tauranga Boys' College – where he was previously No. 8 or blindside flanker before moving to hooker in his final year.

'We are all hoping it will happen [getting selected in the final squad]. Sooner or later it's kind of inevitable with Nathan I think, he's a very very good player and has a very good attitude,” says Jeffries.

'He's got all the tricks in the book that he needs.”

With the All Black selectors sure to include incumbents Kevin Mealamu and Dane Coles, a third hooking option is left to Harris and Coltman to prove their worth both in the remaining Super Rugby rounds and the training camps.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the two camps will once again form a massive part of the team's preparations for the England series.

'With players coming from five different Super Rugby teams, it's important that we get aligned on our game plans and skill sets. The challenge the English bring means we will need to be at our very best as quickly as possible,” says Hansen.

'The camps also give the All Blacks Management time to meet and learn in greater details about some of the younger players who have been named. The All Blacks Management would like to thank the Super Rugby coaches and teams for their support in agreeing to these camps.”

The two training camps will be held in Christchurch from Sunday May 18 to Tuesday May 20 and Wellington the following week – May 25 to May 27.

The official 31-man All Blacks squad will be named June 1.

The All Blacks play England at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday June 7; Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, on Saturday June 14; and Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Saturday June 21.