South Africa is set to host the World Rugby U20 Championship for the third time as fixtures and venues for the 14th edition of the tournament have been announced.
The championship will take place from 29 June to 19 July, in the Western Cape for the second consecutive year.
The competition will span five match days, featuring the world’s top 12 teams competing across three renowned venues.
Danie Craven Stadium and Athlone Stadium will host pool matches, while the iconic Cape Town Stadium will stage key fixtures, including the opener, semi-finals, and the final.
Three-time champions France will commence their title defense against Pool A opponents and 2023 World Rugby U20 Trophy winners Spain at Cape Town Stadium on 29 June.
The Junior Springboks, who finished third in the last edition on home soil, aim to draw inspiration from their senior team’s Rugby World Cup victory and strive for their first U20 championship title since 2012.
Fans worldwide can watch the tournament through local broadcast partners in South Africa (Supersport), France (L’Équipe TV), New Zealand (Sky NZ), and Fiji (Fiji Broadcasting Corporation). Additionally, RugbyPass TV will provide free broadcasts of all matches in markets without exclusive deals.
The 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship will be the first international competition to implement three new law amendments aimed at promoting ball flow and diversity of attacking options while ensuring player welfare.
Additionally, six law trials, including a simplified red card sanction process, will be in operation, having been approved by the World Rugby Executive Board.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont highlighted the championship’s significance, stating: “The World Rugby U20 Championship is the pinnacle of age-grade rugby, and it continues to be a key part of World Rugby’s investment in increasing the competitiveness of global rugby by providing a meaningful pathway to the elite level for talented young players.
“The South African Rugby Union were incredible hosts in 2023, and we are confident that they will deliver an outstanding experience for players and fans alike. We are also very excited to see the new law amendments which will improve the on-field spectacle for anyone watching, promoting an exciting attacking brand of rugby.”
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer expressed excitement for the upcoming tournament:
“Last year’s tournament was an unforgettable experience and we’re expecting more of the same this year. With the recent U20 Rugby Championship, we saw how closely matched the four SANZAAR teams were, and it was the same in the U20 Six Nations, where England emerged victorious.
“To host the next generation of superstars next month is a great privilege and we can’t wait to welcome their families, friends, and fans to South Africa. The World Rugby U20 Championship plays an important role in the global rugby picture and is key in promoting and growing the game, while we are also excited to unearth the next generation of Springboks.”
The stage is set for an exciting and competitive tournament as the world’s best U20 rugby teams converge on South Africa, ready to showcase the future stars of the sport.
