SANZAAR Launches New Under 20 Rugby Championship

SANZAAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina Rugby) has announced that an Under 20 (U20) version of The Rugby Championship will kick-off in 2024. The Championship will see up and coming stars of Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa rugby do battle on an annual basis.
 
The Championship 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.
 
The annual Championship will be played in one country and will comprise a round-robin format where all teams will play each other once across a three-week period. The top team after the three-round, six match tournament will be declared the winner. In 2024 the tournament will take place on the Gold Coast on Australia’s eastern seaboard in April (exact dates to be confirmed).
 
SANZAAR Chairman Hamish McLennan stated, “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. 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.”