He is among three uncapped players in the Italy squad announced by coach Jacques Brunel, who is preparing for tests against Samoa, Argentina and South Africa.
Haimona told the Rotorua Daily Post in 2012 it was his goal to play for Italy.
"They [Italy selectors] are very interested in me but I'll have to knuckle down, get a lot fitter and that sort of thing," he said at the time.
"They are looking at three first-fives, who they want to see playing for the team at the next World Cup.
"For me to be eligible, I can only be seen playing in Italy. I've been told to have player residency I have to play three years in a row."
Whakarewarewa president Quintin Edmonds said Haimona came from a line of quality rugby players.
Haimona's grandfather was a first-team prop for Whaka and his father was a lock in the premier team. Edmonds said Haimona also had cousins and uncles who played for the club.
"Coming from that great pedigree of players he was always going to have rugby embedded in his soul."
Haimona was a big part of the Whaka team which won the Baywide premier final in 2006, scoring a try and kicking a crucial penalty to beat Rotoiti 18-17.
Former Whaka coach Kevin Lee said he coached him in 2011 and it was obvious Haimona had plenty of talent.
"We based our whole game plan around him, he was a strong runner and had a great boot on him and basically we rode his boot to get to the final [in 2011].
"That was the year he left for Italy to pursue his dream."
Lee said he was rapt to hear Haimona had achieved his goal of making the Italy squad.
"He had said that was his goal and I am pleased for him that he has made it."
Lee said it was a great example for young boys playing rugby in Rotorua.
"That is a great example ... who would have thought that a Maori boy out of Whaka would play for Italy."
