Donnelly will become the third All Black from the Matakanui Combined club when he makes his test debut against Australia in Wellington on Sunday night.
The workhorse lock has been rewarded for his consistent form for both the Highlanders and Otago over the last few seasons.
For a small country club in Omakau, Donnelly's selection will be met with special pleasure as it celebrates a third All Black.
Lock Lester Harvey represented Matakanui while he played 22 games (eight tests) for the All Blacks in 1949-50, and fullback Bevan Wilson was at the club during his spell of 12 games (eight tests) between 1977 and 1979.
Donnelly made his name while playing for Otago University before transferring in 2007 to Matakanui, where his appearances have been severely limited because of Super 14 commitments.
He joined Matakanui because his grandfather, George Donnelly, and great-uncle, Fred Donnelly, played for the club.
Had Donnelly stayed with Otago University, he would have become the club's 45th All Black, extending its record.
The University club will still feature in Saturday's test, in the form of blindside flanker Adam Thomson.
