The IRB has released information on the Dates, the venues and the pools for the Junior World Cup 2012 (U20’s) in South Africa.
The tournament will run between the 4 and 22 June with 12 teams competing to wrestle the crown from New Zealand who have won the last four on the trot. The hosting cities are Cape Town and Stellenbosch. The stadiums are: The University of Western Cape Stadium in Cape Town and the Danie Craven Stadium, which will host the Final on June 22.
IRB Junior World Championship 2012 Pools
Pool A: New Zealand (2011 champions), Fiji, Wales and Samoa
Pool B: England, South Africa, Ireland and Italy
Pool C: Australia, France, Argentina and Scotland
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The IRB Junior World Championship has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the global Rugby calendar, delivering a competitive development pathway for our Unions as well as a fantastic competitive product which has proven a hit with fans and broadcasters.”
“So far, 111 players have made the step up from the Tournament to win full Test caps, including 49 players who made their mark at Rugby World Cup 2011.”
“We look forward to another memorable tournament in 2012 and the opportunity to embrace the rich Rugby heritage of the region with the dynamic and free-flowing Rugby provided by the next generation of international Test stars.”
IRB Tournament Director Philippe Bourdarias, speaking in South Africa for the announcement, said: “The IRB Junior World Championship is strategically important both for the IRB and participating Unions as it provides a competitive international arena to test and develop some of the best up and coming players and referees in the world.”
“South Africa has a proven record in hosting wonderful Rugby events and I am sure the teams and players will enjoy a unique experience here next year.”
SARU President Oregan Hoskins said: “We are delighted to host the IRB Junior World Championship 2012 in our rugby-mad country and we look forward to welcoming the teams here in June.”
We will bring you the match schedule as soon as it is available.