Former Bay of Plenty schoolboy rugby player Teimana Harrison has impressed on his rugby test debut for England.

The former Rotorua Boys' High School first XV captain made his debut for England in their 27-13 win against Wales at the weekend.

Teimana Harrison and Dylan Hartley after England's win over Wales at the weekend. Photo: Twitter.

English media were impressed with Teimana's energy and say he justified his selection.

Teimana has had a meteoric rise in the international sport thanks to another former Boys' High student and England captain Dylan Hartley.

Dylan was given the heads up by his former first XV coach Gordon Hunt to come and check out the 188cm, 106kg flanker.

The one match was enough for the front rower to realise the youngster had the goods, so Dylan called up his English club Northampton Saints and they soon had Teimana playing club rugby.

Dylan told English media he's surprised by how well the 23-year-old has settled into the English rugby lifestyle.

"I knew he would play for Northampton, but I never predicted he would play for England. That's down to his character. I think it's a hell of a story and I'm really proud of him.”

The English captain even took to social media to express how proud he is of Teimana, posting on Twitter.

'dylanhartley Met this kid 5 years ago after watching him play for Rotorua Boys High School. I always knew he'd be good, but I never could have predicted this. Character always prevails. Proud of you Mince.”

England now head to Australia for a three match test series. The side open the tour against Australia in Brisbane on June 11, followed by matches in Melbourne and Sydney.