There were five nominees for the title, two from each of the finalists – England captain Zach Mercer, like Augustus a No.8, and England wing Gabriel Ibiotye, and New Zealand’s flyhalf Tiaan Falcon and fullback Will Jordan

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At the end of the three-week tournament, Augustus received the award at a glittering function in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Augustus may have been little known before the tournament but now the rugby world knows of him.

The 19-year-old from Hoërskool Tygerberg did not go to either Craven Week. In 2015 he played for Western Province at the Academy Week and in 2016 for Western Province Under-19.

At the World Championship, he played in all five of South Africa's matches, scoring at least one try in each match and seven tries over all at the tournament – two against France in the opening match, one each against Georgia and Argentina, two against England in the semifinal and then one against France in the bronze-medal match.

Augustus knew that he had been nominated for the award but the announcement came as a surprise.

Augustus said afterwards: "It is a surreal feeling to win this award. I didn’t think I would win it.

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“It is an honour and privilege for me, and certainly a highlight in my career.

“I’ d like to thank my teammates, coaches and the public who voted for me.

"I’d also like to thank my family for their unwavering support throughout my career. This is a very special moment.”

Augustus is the third South African to receive the award after Jan Serfontein (2012) and Handré Pollard (2014).

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Previous Winners

2008: Luke Braid (New Zealand)

2009: Aaron Cruden (New Zealand)

2010: Julian Savea (New Zealand)

2011: George Ford ( England)

2012: Jan Serfontein (South Africa)

2013: Sam Davies (Wales)

2014: Handré Pollard (South Africa)

2015: James Chisholm (England)

2016: Max Deegan (Ireland)

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