Rugby:JJ Hanrahan's performances at the Junior World Championships have been rewarded with a nomination for the IRB Junior player of the year award. The Munster outhalf, who played second fiddle to Paddy Jackson in the Six Nations, has been instrumental in Ireland's successful campaign in South Africa.

The former Rockwell College schoolboy kicked 13 points and dictated play as Mike Ruddock’s side shocked the hosts in the opening round and was hugely influential in two meetings with England since. Ireland face France on Friday in the 5th/6th place play-off.

The 19-year-old Kerryman would become the first Irish winner should he be named ahead of South Africa’s Shaun Adendorff and Jan Serfontein. The winner will be announced on Friday. Serfontein, an exciting centre, has already featured for the Blue Bulls this year while Adendorff has been a powerful presence in the back row for the Baby Boks.

Previous winners of the award include Gavin Henson, Luke McAlister, Jerome Kaino, Lionel Beauxis and Julian Savea.