Juniors to get own Championship?
The Northern Hemisphere has had a distinct advantage going into the annual Junior World Championship, but that may soon evaporate.
South African Under-20 coach Dawie Theron said discussions are underway to organise a four-nations Rugby Championship style tournament for juniors
The reason is that when the Six Nations teams – England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy – get into the play-offs of the IRB JWC they have the experience of a tough competition to fall back on.
"They play that [Six Nations U20 competition] a few months before going to the [Junior] World Cup," Theron said, in reaction to his team's one-point loss to England in the Final in Auckland earlier this month.
"We are going to work very hard on wiping out that edge [the Northern Hemisphere teams have]," the Baby Bok coach said.
Theron said while they lost, 20-21, in the Final, they feel they can take England on any day.
Asked about the possibility of a four-nations, Rugby Championship-like competition for juniors, Theron said that is not a decision that coaches can make.
"However, one of the plans we have, and I have discussed this with some people, is that at coaching level that are interest – both from Australia, New Zealand and even Argentina," Theron told rugby365.
"The key is where and how do we fit it in [to existing calendar].
"Financially it will pose some serious questions.
"It is indeed an idea [that has been put out there] and we have to try and drive it.
"If it is viable it will be a fantastic opportunity for all of us.
"Just look how fast the players are coming through already.
"Earlier we said that player X could perhaps tour [with the senior Springboks] at the end of the year and there is Handré Pollard in the Bok squad already."
By Jan de Koning
