Share

Baby Bok duo up for top award

Cape Town - The International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed a shortlist of three nominees for the IRB Junior Player of the Year Award for 2012, with the winner set to be announced following the Junior World Championship final at Newlands on Friday.

Hosts South Africa, who reached the final by defeating Argentina 35-3 on Sunday, have Shaun Adendorff and Jan Serfontein nominated with JJ Hanrahan from Ireland completing the outstanding trio.

The shortlist represents the voting of team managers, match officials and media at the tournament.

For the first time, the public now has the chance to vote on this shortlist on the official Facebook page. The results of the public poll will be considered, along with the original votes, when finalising the winner.

“We have enjoyed some wonderful individual performances at this tournament and some memorable matches. The skill levels, passion and dedication of the future stars of rugby on show in Cape Town during the past three weeks have been breathtaking,” said IRB Vice Chairman Oregan Hoskins.

“I send my warmest congratulations to the three nominees who have contributed to an outstanding event, and wish all the players well for the final round of matches on Friday.”

Shaun Adendorff (South Africa)

The hardworking and robust 20-year-old flanker enjoyed an inspired match against England in the deciding Pool B clash to ensure the hosts reached the semi finals. He has consistently displayed a fantastic work rate coupled with real pace, and his speed off the mark has been impressive. He has the ability to be at the right place at the right time, and always manages to put his team on the front foot. There has been unquestionable strength and commitment from the player who came into the JWC from the Craven Week tournament, regarded by many as a stepping stone to professional rugby.

Jan Serfontein (South Africa)

The 19-year-old centre from Port Elizabeth has also starred at the Craven Week tournament, and was named player of the tournament in 2011. With Vodacom Cup experience already under his belt following a debut for the  Blue Bulls this year, Serfontein has shown himself to be a class player with excellent distribution of the ball. He is elusive and creative, with great vision and awareness. His running lines have been exceptional, and his ability to break has set up many tries as he creates time and space for others. Serfontein has been described by commentators as a player in the mould of Brian O’Driscoll.

JJ Hanrahan (Ireland)

A first nomination for Ireland in this award, the 19-year-old returned for his second Junior World Championship and opened his 2012 account with a 13-point haul against South Africa in Pool B. Hanrahan switched to flyhalf for the tournament after playing centre in the Under 20 Six Nations, when captain Paddy Jackson didn’t travel, and he has been the driving force in the Irish team often controlling the tempo of the game. An exceptional kicker, possessing maturity and vision with his tactical kicking game, he is the joint second-highest point scorer at JWC 2012. One key reason that Ireland have already guaranteed their best ever JWC finish is the excellent relationship he has formed with his half back partner, Kieran Marmion.

Previous Winners:

2011 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: George Ford (England)
2010 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Julian Savea (New Zealand)
2009 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Aaron Cruden (New Zealand)
2008 - IRB Junior Player of the Year: Luke Braid (New Zealand)
2007 - IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Robert Fruean (New Zealand)
2006 - IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)
2006 - IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)
2005 - IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Isaia Toeava (New Zealand)
2005 - IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Tatafu Polota-Nau (Australia)
2004 - IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Jeremy Thrush (New Zealand)
2004 - IRB International U21 Player of the Year in association with Waterford Crystal: Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
2003 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Jean Baptiste Payras (France)
2003 - IRB U21 Player of the Year in assoc. with Waterford Crystal: Ben Atiga (New Zealand)
2002 - IRB U19 Player of the Year: Luke McAlister (New Zealand)
2002 - IRB U21 Player of the Year, in assoc. with Waterford: Pat Barnard (South Africa)
2001 - IRB Young Player of the Year: Gavin Henson (Wales)



Jan Serfontein and Shaun Adendorff
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE