SANZAAR takes ‘vital step’ as U20 Rugby Championship announced

SANZAAR confirmed on Thursday that an U20 Rugby Championship will be played from 2024 in a big step forward for the development of youth rugby in the southern hemisphere.

The tournament at youth level has been missing for some time and perhaps showed in this year’s World Rugby U20 Championship, which South Africa finished the highest of the southern nations in third position.

The U20 Six Nations has clearly been hugely beneficial to the development of northern hemisphere sides that have dominated the global tournament over recent seasons, with France claiming the 2023 edition.

“Missing link”

SANZAAR and Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan admits the U20 Rugby Championship has been missing in the development roadmaps of young players and that all nations are committed to the new tournament.

“It has long been recognised that the missing link in our junior pathways was the existence of a SANZAAR international championship for up-and-coming talent,” McLennan said in a statement.

“I am really excited that SANZAAR is now committing to this new championship. The SANZAAR member unions and I are confident its establishment can only strengthen rugby pathways for young players in the southern hemisphere.

“Exposure to additional international matches can only benefit the players in terms of experience and adapting to the demands of the top level of rugby.”

All nations committed

Those sentiments were echoed by the chief executive of SANZAAR, Brendon Morris, who admitted whilst there are still details to confirm, all four unions are committed to the tournament.

“This is a vital step in the progression of young talent across our member unions as importantly it will provide extra development opportunities each year for players, coaches, team management and match officials, and will allow for better preparation into the World Rugby Championship,” Morris added.

“There is still some detail to put in place and we will announce this as we approach the kick-off of the inaugural tournament.

“The member unions are all committed to ensuring the U20 tournament is a best practice event that develops the young talent they have at their disposal.”

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