Kylem O'Donnell is proof that persistence pays off.

The 27-year-old's selection in the Hurricanes squad this season capped a long and determined journey to Investec Super Rugby.

O'Donnell's talent was evident during three years in the Hamilton Boys' High School first XV where he excelled at halfback and wing and after leaving school he quickly found himself in the Taranaki provincial squad.

However, O'Donnell made just eight appearances for Taranaki between 2009 and 2012 despite breaking into the New Zealand Sevens team in 2011.

A move back to the Waikato produced similar results as he made eight appearances for the Mooloo Men before heading back to Taranaki in 2015.

O'Donnell's younger brother Declan has also represented the New Zealand Sevens team.