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Ireland No.8 Culhane wins Under-20s Player of the Championship

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Ireland No.8 James Culhane has been named the Under-20s Six Nations Player of the Championship after helping his side to the Grand Slam.

Ireland No.8 James Culhane has been named the Under-20s Six Nations Player of the Championship after helping his side to the Grand Slam.

An ever-present for Ireland, Culhane is recognised after they won four of their five matches with a bonus point, the only exception being the last-gasp 17-16 win away to second-placed France.

Culhane scored tries in wins over Italy and Scotland, the latter to clinch the Grand Slam, while he also set up a try against England.

He follows in the footsteps of Jack van Poortvliet, the England scrum-half who won the inaugural award last year.

Commenting on the award, Six Nations Director of Rugby Julie Paterson said: “This year’s Under-20 competition was an outstanding edition of the Championship and we expect many of those who played in it to go on to have long and rewarding careers in rugby.

“James was one of several outstanding back-rowers to feature this year and should be very proud of earning this award.

“We wish him and all the other players who featured in the 2022 Under-20s Six Nations all the very best and look forward to following their careers in both club and international colours over the coming years.”

Culhane was one of four Ireland players to feature in the Team of the Championship, which also included eight Frenchmen, two Italians and two Englishmen, with equal votes going to two players in the second row.