Anton Segner is far from your normal New Zealand high school rugby star, the Nelson College first XV member hailing from Germany.

Your playlist will load after this ad

In 2017, Segner made the decision to leave his home, leave his family and chase his dream of playing rugby in New Zealand.

"I was like any other German kid, I was playing the round ball, I was playing football," he said.

"But then getting introduced to rugby, as soon as I felt that contact, as soon as I made my first tackle, my first carry, I fell in love with the game.

"My parents weren't a big fan of the decision. I decided to come to New Zealand and see what it's like, and I was fortunate enough to make the first XV."

Nelson College acting headmaster Tim Tucker praised Segner's decision to chase his dream.

"The level of courage it takes for them to come to a country that in all honesty they've never heard of in the middle of nowhere, to a school where they know absolutely no-one," he said.

"He's a guy of phenomenal character and attitude, massively loyal and passionate about Nelson College, and he's a good rugby player."

Segner's abilities haven't gone unnoticed either, signing a two-year professional deal with the Tasman Mako.

"That has been my dream. ever since I first touched a rugby ball," Segner continued.

"It's definitely my dream to be an All Black.