8th February 2010 04:26PM

Up and coming winger Jason Hona is "over the moon" with his selection in the 26-strong Chiefs squad which departed for South Africa at the weekend.

"I'm over the moon to be going over there. This is what professional rugby is all about and what most guys want to aim for. Camaraderie and being around the team environment is what I am looking forward to."

Hona, 23, a member of the Chiefs Wider Training Group, travels with the Chiefs while winger Lelia Masaga stays at home to continue rehabilitation on his shoulder. Masaga's shoulder is progressing well and he has been training with the Chiefs in their preseason build-up.

Last Friday afternoon Hona enjoyed a start on the wing for the Chiefs in their 12-17 preseason hit-out against the Hurricanes in Rotorua.

"Preseason is about finding where we are at and there are definitely work ons in my game."

"I've noticed in the preseason games I've played so far that the intensity is about ten steps above Air New Zealand Cup. The experience really gets the flames burning inside of me to play better and to strive to play for higher honours."

Hona has played in South Africa before as a member of the NZ Sevens team.