England U20s wing Nathan Earle has today been nominated by the IRB for the Junior Player of the Year Award.
The Saracens flyer has been in scintillating form at the Junior World Championship in New Zealand – scoring five tries in the Championship, including a hat-trick in the opening game against Italy.
He will face fierce competition to claim the award with South Africa captain Handre Pollard, New Zealand wing Tevita Li and Ireland centre Gary Ringrose also nominated.
England face South Africa in the Championship final on Friday at Eden Park and Earle can’t wait to get out there.
He said: “We’re all unbelievably excited about the final – we know that it’s going to be physical and South Africa will provide us with a real test, but we’re looking forward to it.”
“It’s humbling to get nominated for the award – I’m up against some pretty talented players so to even be considered is a massive honour. I was genuinely pretty surprised to hear I was nominated, I’ve been happy with how I’ve been playing but it’s been down to the team putting me in the positions.”