For a few weeks back in the autumn of 2015, Karne Hesketh was one of the most recognizable faces in Japan, and a hero in the rugby world outside South Africa.

For it was the New Zealand-born wing's try that saw Japan create one of the biggest upsets in sporting history, their 34-32 win over the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup.

"They love using (the footage of that try)," he told Kyodo News on Saturday while watching the Kitakyushu leg of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series at Mikuni World Stadium.

"My memory of the game is more from the commercial (that features the last-minute try) than the actual game. But the feeling after the game was so raw and so full of energy. Everyone was going crazy, so it's a feeling more than a memory."

While some players quit international rugby after Japan became the first to win three World Cup pool games and not make the quarterfinals, Hesketh, who recently signed on for another two years with Munakata Sanix Blues, was keen to carry on.

"I still wanted to pursue the next World Cup," he said.

(Karne Hesketh goes over for the historic try vs the Springboks in September 2015.)

The powerful wing played two test matches in 2016 before being deemed surplus to requirements. And a complicated family matter meant he was unable to take up the offer of a spot in the Sunwolves squad in 2016.

"It wouldn't have worked for me and my family. My wife was playing (rugby) for New Zealand at the time so it was a unique situation and we couldn't make it work."

So is he available if Brave Blossoms coach Jamie Joseph came calling?

"Technically I am available for Japan but I have probably been out of the mix too long (that) the boys are too far ahead."

For now, the 32-year-old is quite happy enjoying life in Kyushu.

"I love it here. I think this will be my ninth year here. Where we are and where we are based is a really good balance of rugby and family life."

That balance was in evidence Saturday as his wife, Carla Hohepa, caught up with some old teammates as New Zealand dominated the opening day of the sevens.

"It's a really good set up here (at Mikuni World Stadium) and the rugby is really high quality," he said of the Olympians on display.

And was he the most famous face in Japan?

"If I was walking down the street with (Japan fullback) Ayumu Goromaru, Goro would definitely get more autographs. People would probably think I was waiting to get his photograph. And I probably would be."

(Hesketh and Japan became the tournament darlings overnight in England.)