Max Deegan on World Player of the Year shortlist

Ireland's number eight Max Deegan has been shortlisted for the World Under-20 player of the year award. The former St Michael's College schoolboy has been outstanding as the Irish team has progressed to the World Championship final match against England at the AJ Bell stadium in Manchester on Saturday (7pm), winning two man-of-the-match awards and scoring a memorable individual try in the semi-final against Argentina.

He also crossed for a try in Ireland's 33-24 victory over world champions New Zealand. Deegan is up against Japan's Ataata Moeakiola, Harry Mallinder (England), Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand) and Curwin Bosch (South Africa).

In a curious symmetry the last time Ireland reached an age-grade World Cup final (Under-21), in 2004, the then Irish number eight, Jamie Heaslip made the shortlist, but was beaten by current All Black Jerome Kaino for the honour.

The winner of the award with be determined by rugby supporters on World Rugby’s social media platform, Facebook. Supporters can vote by commenting on the World Rugby Facebook post using ‘VOTE’ and the surname of the nominee. The vote will end at full-time of the final between Ireland and England, the last match of the tournament, with the winner being announced across World Rugby’s social media platforms.