Two standouts from the Rugby Texas high school season are making an impact overseas after traveling to New Zealand and helping their team win a prestigious local trophy.

David-John Selby, who just finished his season with Houston's St. Pius X, and Kieran Farmer, who was part of The Woodlands' championship run, made their debuts off the bench in the final game of round one for the Napier Old Boys Marist in the Hawke's Bay Union in New Zealand.

The NOBM Colts improved to 12-0 as they went on to win the Arthur Brown Cup against Havelock on Saturday. Selby, 16, is the youngest member of the U21 squad. He came on at outside center. Farmer made his debut on the wing.


Down 10-7 at halftime, the NOBM coaching staff spoke with its players and urged them to keep their cool and concentrate on playing good rugby. The team responded and, with a jolt from Selby and Farmer, came back to win 24-17.

Napier Old Boys Marist head coach Steve Smithers said: "Special mention needs to go to the two young American players that have joined our squad and took the field for the first time for us. Let's hope Kieran and David don't think those conditions are normal for rugby."

Next up, NOBM will play in the Pat Ryan Memorial Trophy, which starts on Saturday, June 10.