The Canadian Rugby Foundation is pleased to announce that Brett Beukeboom (Lindsay, ON), Jeff Hassler (Okotoks, Alta.) and Jeff McKinnon (North Vancouver, B.C.) are this year's winners of the Stuart Pegg Award. For the first time in the award's history, three players on Canada's Under-20 men's rugby team were recognized as the top players as voted on by their team mates for their performances at the Junior World Rugby Trophy in Russia.

The award, created by the Pegg family in memory of their son who passed away at a young age, has been presented at to an age-grade Canadian rugby player since 1998.

Beukeboom stood out for Canada during their four game campaign as a key member of their line outs and set pieces. The 102 kg lock was one of two carded players on the Under-20 squad and one of seven returning players to the U20 international level. Beukeboom was a utility back row player that filled multiple roles when injuries occurred and scored one of Canada's two tries against Japan with a 40-metre dash for the finish line.

McKinnon played all four games in Moscow wearing the no. 6 jersey and was known through the tournament as a ruthless tackler. A veteran on the Under-20 squad, the Capilano flanker punched in a try against hosts Russia at Slava Stadium.

The third recipient of the award, Jeff Hassler, started all four matches in the back line for Canada. The Saskatchewan Huskies football standout and Foothills Lions' speedster played a key role in Canada's defence but it was his acceleration with the ball that attracted double-tackles. Hassler scored a try against Uruguay and narrowly missed out on scoring the brace when his second attempt was called back.

Previous winners of the Stuart Pegg Award include: Ed Fairhurst (1998), Mark Lawson (1999), Rob Houston (2000), Stan McKeen (2001), Dave Sargent (2002), Rob Barbieri (2003), Dave Spicer (2004), Ben Johnson (2005), WIll Simpson (2006), Ryan Hamilton (2007) and Sean White (2008).

Please join the Pegg family, the Canadian Rugby Foundation and Rugby Canada in congratulating the three players on winning the Stuart Pegg Award.