IRB Video: IRB Junior World Championships Promo
The Welsh Rugby Union won the bid to host the prestigious, 16 team event in June, 2008 and will be staging games in Newport, Cardiff, Wrexham and Swansea.
Backed by a £1.5m grant from the IRB, £400,000 for UK Sport and £250,000 from the Welsh Assembly, the event will run from 6-22 June and involve the greatest players in the world at Under 20 level.
“Rugby is more than just a sport in Wales – it’s part of our nation’s life – and that’s why I’m thrilled that the IRB has chosen Wales to host the inaugural Junior World Championship here next year,” said the First Minister.
“Like thousands upon thousands of people in Wales I’m a life-long rugby fan and this exciting development means we will have the opportunity to see the very best young players from around the world competing right here in Wales.
“These young men are the stars of the future, the players who will eventually win the World Cup or the Six Nations trophy in the years to come. We are truly fortunate to play host to these talented young players and to see them developing their skills at close hand.
“This is about more than that. I believe that the championships will also provide a boost to physical fitness and health here in Wales by encouraging more of our young people to take up a sport and to get really fit. The benefits will go far beyond the rugby fields where these 16 teams will do battle.
“I would like to congratulate the Welsh Rugby Union for their work in securing this championship, and am delighted that the Welsh Assembly Government has played its part in supporting their successful bid. I know Wales will welcome this tournament and all its young participants warmly to Wales.”
Patrick Horgan, the Ebbw Vale coach, will head up the Wales Under 20 coaching team for the event. Two of Wales’ Pool opponents, France and Italy, will play in the Six Nations Under 20 Championship in the New Year ahead of the global tournament in Wales.
Matches will be played at Newport’s Rodney Parade, Cardiff’s Arms Park, Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground and Swansea’s Liberty Stadium.
IRB Junior World Championship at Under 20
Pool A: New Zealand, Argentina, Ireland Tonga (Cardiff)
Pool B: South Africa, Scotland, Samoa, USA (Wrexham)
Pool C: Australia, England, Fiji, Canada (Newport)
Pool D: Wales, France, Italy, Japan (Swansea)
