Dexter Buchanan, Tyler Schreurs, Shawn Gielen-Relph and Tipene Tahana were all members of the New Zealand Universities side which travelled to Leeds in northern England to play in the tournament.
The student competition is played every four to five years and Buchanan said the standard was high, especially against the established nations of England and Australia.
New Zealand, including students from around the country, opened its campaign with a 122-0 win over Russia.
Australia proved much tougher, New Zealand losing 34-16. But the Kiwis responded with a 52-20 win over Scotland to set up a semifinal clash against England.
The match was extremely tight, and the teams traded field goals in the dying minutes to tie it up 17-17 at the end of regulation time.
In extra time, with the golden-point rule applying, England managed to get into position to knock over a field goal to win the game.
Buchanan said the side was disappointed to go out in such a manner and felt the home officiating had played a big part.
Australia went on to beat England in the final to win the tournament.
New Zealand finished third as it had a better points differential tha the other losing semifinalist, Wales. New Zealand also finished third in the previous tournament in 2008.
Buchanan, a prop, said the Australians had a couple of players who had played in the NRL and also plenty of players who were out of the second-tier competitions in Queensland and New South Wales. They went through the tournament undefeated.
Schreurs also played prop, as did Gielen-Relph, while Tahana played off the back of the scrum.
The students, who had to raise $5000 each to get to the tournament, are now getting ready to play in the club final on Saturday between the South Pacific Raiders and University at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
