WARRINGTON'S Welsh wonderkid Iestyn Harris, who is tipped to fill the void left by Jonathan Davies's return to rugby union, was today named John Smith's International Player of the Year for 1995.

It crowns an amazing 12 months for the young utility star who has been an ever-present for Wales since making his debut against world champions Australia last autumn at the age of just 18 years four months.

Harris was an important member of the Welsh side which won the European Championship for the first time in 57 years by beating England in February and France in March.

And then the 19-year-old ace, who has performed at full-back, wing, centre and stand-off for his country, played a big part in helping the Dragons get into the last four of last month's Halifax Centenary World Cup.

He scored a superb try in each of the group victories against France - when he was man of the match - and Western Samoa. He was also impressive in the semi-final at Old Trafford, even though Wales lost 25-10 to England.

His fast-earned stature on the international scene was recently by his selection at full-back in the official World Cup XIII chosen by a panel of top judges.

Oldham-born Harris, who qualifies for Wales by parentage, received a cheque for £1,000 and an engraved decanter and glasses in a special John Smith's ceremony at Brighouse in Yorkshire today.

Derek Noble, Courage executive director of Trading North, who made the presentation, said: "The blow to Welsh rugby league of losing the legendary Jonathan Davies has been greatly softened by the emergence of this talented and versatile teenager."

Former student Harris, who is also a fine goal-kicker, is the second winner of the prestigious John Smith's award, which went last year to Great Britain hooker Lee Jackson.

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