England to Host IRB U21 World Cup

Following the successful staging of the inaugural IRB U21 World Cup in South Africa last June, the International Rugby Board has announced that the second IRB U21 World Cup will be hosted in England by the RFU.

The 12-nation tournament will take place in the Oxfordshire region from 13-29 June.

Invitations have been extended to Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

Three players from last year’s tournament, Pat Barnard, Clyde Rathbone (both South Africa) and Sam Tuitupou (New Zealand) will be vying for the IRB U21 Player of the Year award on 26 January at the La ndmark Hotel, London.

Mike Miller, Chief Executive of the IRB, said “Last year’s tournament in South Africa proved a huge success and we are looking forward to another great event in England this year. The IRB U21 World Cup, as well as being a tournament of the highest quality in its own right, continues to produce young players who are better prepared to represent their country at senior level.”