3 Semesa Rokodugini
This is slightly different but just as amazing of a rise.
Rokoduguni, a Lance Corporal and reconnaissance tank soldier of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the British Army, signed for Bath in 2012 before becoming a breakthrough star of the 2013/14 season, scoring several crowd-pleasing tries in his first full season of professional rugby.
He then became the first serving soldier since Tim Rodber to play for England but missed the Rugby World Cup due to injury. A fantastic story and deserved rise.