Major League Rugby is not kicking off until next spring, but teams are already signing players and building for the future. Among the squads making an early splash are the Houston Strikers, who recently added former Texas high school standout Kieran Farmer to their roster.

FloRugby readers may be familiar with The Woodlands flyhalf following his impressive senior season and nifty play during the Texas high school playoffs.



But there's more to Farmer than just flashy moves, and there's more to his signing than the Strikers simply looking for a player. The scouting for the MLR is going to skew young, especially as teams build depth. Strikers coaches said the high school players who tried out at the team's second combine last weekend were not at all noticeable -- that is, they didn't look or play like high schoolers. That's a good thing.

"It's good to see the amount of talent that's all come together," said Farmer, who played with the Napier Magpies in New Zealand this summer. "It was a lot of fun... just nonstop rugby."



Houston head coach Justin Fitzpatrick liked what he saw in the young flyhalf during the high school season.

"I watched him play for Phil Beck's Woodland High School team at the Texas State Championships," Fitzpatrick said. "I was impressed with his control of the game, skill set, and bravery. This is obviously a big step up for him. However, I thought he was able to adapt very well at the combine."

The Woodlands High School coach Phil Beck was also at the combine.

"This is so crucial for growing rugby in Texas," Beck said. "With the Strikers coming up and some great talent out here, I think it's going to be good for us."



"I believe Kieran has the makings for a first-class player," Fitzpatrick added. "We look forward to helping him fulfill his undoubted potential."