James Chisholm was named as the World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Tournament yesterday.

The England number 8 secured over a third of the vote to become the first Englishman since George Ford in 2011 to win the prestigious award.

The award was made a public vote on Google Plus by World Rugby this year, and Chisholm saw off competition from Australia full back Jonah Placid and the New Zealand duo of Akira Ioane and Tevita Li, who had the not inconsiderable consolation of lifting the World Rugby U20 Championship Trophy on Saturday evening after beating England 21-16 in the final.

Chisholm impressed throughout the tournament, and showed just why Harlequins have seen fit to give him ten first team appearances already in his short career, while he has also impressed immensely on dual registration with London Scottish this season.

The number 8 hails from impressive rugby stock, his brother Ross is a Quins regular, while his other brother Ali has represented Exeter, Esher, and Quins A, all three brothers actually played together for Harlquins in the Aviva A League this year.

James has long been eyed up for big things though, at Brighton College he was a talisman in the back row, and it was his grounding there that led to him being selected for England U18, whom he captained.

The goal for Chisholm is surely full England honours, but for now a regular Harlequins starting spot must be the aim. It is no easy task though, with the likes Luke Wallace, Nick Easter, and Chris Robshaw a pretty tasty starting trio, along with Joe Trayfoot, and Chisholm is not alone as a fast rising youngster in the Quins back row, with 2013 England U20 captain Jack Clifford also in the mix, as is Henry Cheeseman, a star of the school scene through 2012/13 and 2013/14.

You fancy that Chisholm will rise to the challenge though, his abrasive and committed style of play giving him a physicality in his play that is beyond his years.

Keep an eye out for this one.

World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Tournament Vote Results:

James Chisholm (England) – 38%

Akira Ioane (New Zealand) – 28%

Jonah Placid (Australia) – 17%

Tevita Li (New Zealand) – 16%