Tuesday sees the opening of the opening day of the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. Despite the rebrand and name change from the IRB Junior Championships, it is the 8th tournament of its kind and promises another action packed two weeks for any rugby fan. All players will be keen to impress in the hopes of making future full senior squads with a number of stand out graduates from previous tournaments including Leigh Halfpenny, Ben Youngs and Sam Whitelock. Two time defending champions, England will be looking to retain their title to complete a hat trick of successes and build upon a domination at this age range.
The tournament takes place in various venues across Italy from 2nd June until the final on the 20th June in Cremona where the 2 top nations will battle it out from the 12 starting sides. Separated into three groups the teams competing are:
Group A– England, France, Wales, Japan
Group B– South Africa, Australia, Samoa, Italy
Group C– New Zealand, Scotland, Argentina, Ireland
After playing each other once the top side from each group will progress to the semi finals joined by the best ranked 2nd place team. All sides will be in action on the final day as overall standings are needed to determine who will no longer participate in the Championship next year.
All 12 nations will take to the field on Tuesday, however, with the aim of maintaining their involvement at these Championships as the worst place finisher will be demoted to the World Rugby under 20s Trophy. It is, therefore, not just a matter of pride that each side will be playing for as newly crowned Trophy champions, Georgia, are keenly waiting in the wings to take someone’s place next year.
With 52 players in the 2011 World Cup squads who had participated at an under 20’s Championship there will be a number of players to watch out for. Australia selected the most with 8 followed closely by Wales with 7 to top the sides who progressed players into the senior squads. I’ve picked out a key player from each group for you to look for.
Group A- Jack Walker (ENG)
The Yorkshire Carnegie hooker was a member of last year’s Championship winning side and will be looking to continue their run of success. Having started his playing career at fly half he is now thriving in the front row engine room.
Group B- Andrew Kellaway (AUS)
Currently the Championships record single tournament try scorer, grabbing himself 10 tries last year in New Zealand. A shift from the wing to outside centre may limit the number of tries he can finish but his deadly running could lead to one more try to make him the tournaments all-time top try scorer.
Group C- Otere Black (NZL)
A part of the Super Rugby franchise, the Hurricanes, wider squad this season, he has been promoted to the starting line-up after injuries to other key fly halves and has shone in a star studded back line.
Now if this has sparked your interest in these rugby barren months with the conclusion of the Aviva Premiership, European Champions Cup and Super Rugby’s early morning starts clash with work you’ll be happy to know that the under 20’s Championship will be screened around the world. Either via the World Rugby webpage or the rights are held by BT Sport (UK), Fox Sport (Australia), Eurosport (France), NBC (USA) and Sky New Zealand (NZ). Check your local listings for full details.
