Rugby: John Paul punch above weight in Oz

John Paul College under-18 development team celebrate after recently finishing second in an Australian rugby tournament on the Gold Coast.

The John Paul College under-18 side has a positive future ahead of them after recently finishing runners-up in an international tournament.

The development team of 30 players lost in Australia's Gold Coast Rugby Carnival B division final against fellow New Zealand side Otorohanga 17-0 last week.

Tour manager Lisa Rimmer was "delighted" with the team's second place finish - in a tournament that the school traditionally struggles in.

"We came into the competition with a very small team physically and I think a lot of sides underestimated us," she said. "But we proved them wrong and put in some excellent performances.

"In the final we couldn't quite handle the speed and defence of the fellow NZ team - but it was a good, clean contest."

To reach the final John Paul College beat Sydney Boys' High School 26-12 in the final-four stage of the competition, having previously recorded five wins and one loss.

"We had a very strong first-half against the Sydney team and I was very impressed with the team performance," said Rimmer. "We seemed to get stronger as the competition continued, and even when sides were a lot bigger than us we competed and battled well."

The players in the squad ranged from 14 to 18-years-old.

And player of the tournament was awarded to John Paul College captain Keegan Pepper earning the Barbarian Tournament Jersey for 2016.

"There a lot of potential stars in the side," said Rimmer. "We will definitely go to the tournament next year hoping to take the overall title.

"Everyone can be very proud of themselves, because they really over-performed."

To see all the results visit www.rugby.world-sport.com.au.