Ireland's Garry Ringrose is among four nominees for the IRB Junior Player of the Year 2014. The outside centre carried well and repeatedly got over the gain line for Mike Ruddock's Under 20 side, before they were beaten by England in their first U20 World Cup final.
As Ireland seek a long term replacement for Brian O'Driscoll, the 19-year-old's name goes to a vote with South African captain Handré Pollard, England wing Nathan Earle and New Zealand flier Tevita Li. The winner set to be announced following the final at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.
No Irish player has ever won the Junior award since its inception in 2001 when the winner was Welsh back, Gavin Henson.
The management of the 12 teams involved in the IRB Junior World Championship voted on their top three players after each round with votes tallied to provide the shortlist of nominees.
In the IRB citation the Blackrock College teenager was described as “a lovely straight runner.” It added: “Ringrose has scored three tries in the tournament, two in the decisive bonus point win over Wales and one in the semi-final loss to England. He is also an accomplished kicker as he proved with 11 points in the final pool victory over Fiji.”
The public now has the chance to vote on this shortlist on the official Facebook page www.facebook.com/irbjuniors. The results of the public poll will be considered, along with the original votes, when finalising the winner.
Previous winners
2013 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Sam Davies (Wales)
2012 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Jan Serfontein (South Africa)
2011 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: George Ford (England)
2010 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Julian Savea (NZ)
2009 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Aaron Cruden (NZ)
2008 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Luke Braid (New Zealand)
2007 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Robert Fruean (NZ)
2006 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)
2006 - IRB U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)
2005 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Isaia Toeava (NZ)
2005 - IRB U21 Player of the Year: Tatafua Polota-Nau (Australia)
2004 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Jeremy Thrush (NZ)
2004 - IRB U21 Player of the Year: Jerome Kaino (NZ)
2003 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Jean Baptiste Payras (France)
2003 - IRB U21 Player of the Year: Ben Atiga (NZ)
2002 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Luke McAlister (NZ)
2002 - IRB U21 Player of the Year: Pat Barnard (South Africa)
2001 - IRB Young Player of the Year: Gavin Henson (Wales)
