Junior Boks to face old foes in Rugby Champs U20 opener
SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR has announced the match schedule and venue for the inaugural Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament that will be played in May 2024 on the Sunshine Coast.
The Championship will see the up-and-coming stars of Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa rugby do battle.
The Championship will be played at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Bokarina on Australia’s eastern seaboard in May and will comprise a round-robin format where all teams will play each other once (see match schedule below).
The top team after the three-round, six-match tournament will be declared the Rugby Championship U20 champion.
“The Rugby Championship U20 Championship is an exciting investment and development strategy that will allow for a more defined pathway for younger players into senior and international rugby and provide a springboard into the annual World Rugby U20 Championship that is currently missing.”
“This exposure to international matches against top-quality opposition can only benefit the players in terms of experience and adapting to the demands of top-level rugby. The tournament will also provide extra development opportunities for coaches, team management and match officials.”
“The teams will assemble on the Sunshine Coast for three match rounds in May and for rugby fans we are pleased to announce that entry into the tournament at Sunshine Coast Stadium will be free of charge.”
“SANZAAR is very much looking forward to what will be a highly competitive tournament and on behalf of SANZAAR I would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council for its assistance in supporting this wonderful new tournament.”
Sunshine Coast Major Events Board Chair John Williams welcomed the opportunity to sponsor a new international rugby event and highlight the Sunshine Coast to a global audience.
Williams said Rugby Union was considered a high priority sport for the Sunshine Coast region with a long-term strategy to attract elite sports, athletes and national teams to train, stay and play on the Sunshine Coast in the lead up to key events like the British & Irish Lions Tour (2025) and World Cups (2027 & 2029) and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We look forward to seeing the Rugby Championship U20 tournament playing out at Sunshine Coast Stadium this year and showcasing the region as an ideal training destination to such high-profile rugby nations.
“The event will be a great spectacle for Australian and international rugby fans, but it’s also a great time to discover the Sunshine Coast and make a holiday of it in one of the world’s most loved destinations.
“There are several regional routes in addition to the regular flights from Sydney and Melbourne into Sunshine Coast Airport and a variety of accommodation styles to suit all budgets.”
All times are local:
