The future of world rugby is heading back to the Eastern Cape, and it’s bringing serious firepower.
The U20 Rugby Championship will return to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at the end of April, as South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina’s brightest young stars collide once again.
For the second straight year, Gqeberha will host the southern hemisphere’s next generation – with the tournament kicking off on Freedom Day, 27 April, before continuing on 3 and 9 May.
The competition forms a crucial part of preparations for the Junior World Championship in Georgia later this year, and if last season is anything to go by, fans are in for a spectacle.
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The Junior Boks and New Zealand went on to contest last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship final, with Riley Norton’s side lifting the trophy.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the tournament’s return is a major boost for the region.
“Last year’s event was a massive success, and we are thrilled that this tournament will be returning to Gqeberha,” said Oberholzer.
“The Eastern Cape has a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base, and like last year we expect good crowds to come to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to see the four teams in action across three double-header match days.
“The combination of top-notch facilities at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and superb accommodation and training options, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the people of the Eastern Cape will make this another memorable experience for everyone involved.”
U20 Rugby Championship fixtures:
Monday, 27 April
New Zealand vs Australia (2pm)
Junior Boks vs Argentina (4:10pm)
Sunday, 3 May
New Zealand vs Argentina (2pm)
Junior Boks vs Australia (4:10pm)
Saturday, 9 May
Argentina vs Australia (2pm)
Junior Boks vs New Zealand (4:10pm)
Photo: Sabrina Conforti/World Rugby
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