Not only will Wales have a fervent home crowd to contend with, Williams’ young side will also have to face defending champions France and Fiji, promoted this year as winners of the World Rugby U20 Trophy, in their remaining Group A fixtures.
“We’re very aware of the physical challenge our group provides us,” he said after hearing the draw which was confirmed yesterday.
“Meeting the defending world champions is a challenge in itself, but playing Argentina in their first game at home will be a great occasion, and we know the natural talent Fiji have will have an impact on the group.
“We have the late stages of the SIx Nations to contend with for the next few weeks, and then we’ll be excited to start our World Cup camp and building up to what will be a very competitive group stage.
Running from Tuesday 4th June until the finals on Saturday 22nd June the Championships will consist of five rounds of games at three locations, Ateneo Inmaculada in Santa Fe, and the Racecourse Stadium and Club Old Resian, both in Rosario.
France are the reigning champions having won on home turf last year, becoming the first side to break the ten year stranglehold on the tournament of New Zealand, South Africa, and England, who have reached the last six finals in a row.
The Pools see each side play the others once, with matchdays on Tuesday 4th June, Saturday 8th June, and Wednesday 12th June. From there the semi final draws are decided. The top side from each group and the best runner up reach the main semi finals, with the remaining two runners up and the best two third placed sides meeting in the 5th-8th place semi finals. The 9th-12th place semi finals see the bottom sides from each group and the remaining third place side compete.
Commenting on the tournament, World Rugby Vice-Chairman and Rugby Americas President Agustín Pichot said: “The U20 Championship has proven itself to be a very important competition for the uncovering and development of the future stars of our game and attracting new, young fans to the sport. With Rugby World Cup 2019 on the horizon these young players will have no shortage of inspiration to take the next step towards fulfilling their rugby dreams.”
2019 World Rugby U20 Championship Groups:
Group A: Argentina, Fiji, France, Wales
Group B: Australia, England, Ireland, Italy,
Group C: Georgia, Scotland, South Africa, New Zealand
2019 World Rugby U20 Championship Schedule:
Matchday 1 – Tuesday 4th June
Argentina v Wales – Racecourse Stadium, Rosario, 5pm
Matchday 2 – Saturday 8th June
France v Wales – Racecourse Stadium, Rosario, 5pm
Matchday 3 – Wednesday 12th June
Wales v Fiji – Ateneo Inmaculada, Santa Fe, 5pm
