Ireland’s JJ Hanrahan has been included on the IRB’s shortlist of three nominees for the Junior Player of the Year Award 2012, with the winner set to be announced following the final of the Junior World Championship at Newlands on Friday 22 June.

Hosts South Africa, who reached the final by defeating Argentina 35-3 on Sunday, have Shaun Adendorff and Jan Serfontein nominated with Munster’s Hanrahan 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 www.facebook.com/irbjuniorworldrugby.

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.”

Hanrahan’s nomination represents Ireland’s first for the award. The Kerry born out-half notched 13 points in Ireland’s opener at the Junior World Championship against South Africa and is currently the tournament’s joint second-highest points scorer.