Format change for Junior World Champs

The International Rugby Board has announced the dates, match schedule and pools for the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.

Following the most successful IRB Junior World Championship to date in Japan this year which was screened live by 16 broadcasters to 135 countries and saw crowds exceed 100,000, the annual showpiece development competition will be played in the Litoral region  of Argentina from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 20.
 
“The IRB Junior World Championship is essential for the development of elite international players and officials and I have no doubt the UAR will host a colourful, exciting and passionate event,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
 
The new format sees 12 teams in three pools, which will improve the quality of the competition, according to Tournament Manager, Philippe Bourdaria.

“We are looking forward to an intense festival feel to the Junior World Championships in Argentina with 30 matches concentrated in one region,” said s, in Buenos Aires for the announcement.

“The reduction to 12 teams will create a more competitive tournament from round one.”

Pools:

Pool A: New Zealand (holders), Wales, Samoa and Fiji
Pool B: England, France, Ireland and Argentina
Pool C: South Africa, Australia, Scotland and Tonga