Italy To Host 2015 Junior World Championship
Lombardia and Emilia Romagna in Italy will provide the backdrop for the IRB Junior World Championship next year.
Kicking off just months ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the future stars of world rugby will be welcomed to Parma, Viadana, Calvisano and Cremona. Matches will be played on June 2, 6, 10, 15 with the final on June 20 in Cremona.
IRB Tournament Director Philippe Bourdarias said: “Following a very successful tournament in 2011, we are delighted to return to Italy with the IRB Junior World Championship in 2015.
“The last tournament provided a magnificent prelude to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and I have no doubt the JWC will be even better again next year.
“After viewing the facilities available to teams in the Lombardia and Emilia Romagna region, I predict a top tournament that will captivate the imagination of rugby fans, both in Italy and around the globe.”
The 2015 IRB Junior World Championship will also coincide with Expo 2015, which will be held in Milan, capital of the Lombardy region.
Federazione Italiana Rugby President Alfredo Gavazzi commented: “The IRB Junior World Championship is the most important Under-20 tournament on the international stage and it will be an honour and a privilege for Italy to host such a big rugby event.
“We took the decision to appoint Lombardy as the host region because we strongly believe that such an important competition will be a fantastic tool for the promotion of our game.
“The region of Emilia Romagna also has a strong rugby tradition, where Stadio XXV Aprile is home to Zebre games.
“The future stars of world rugby playing at Parma’s Cittadella del Rugby will certainly boost the growth and development of our game even further in the region.”
Details of the teams, kick-off times, venues and ticketing arrangements for matches at next year’s tournament in Lombardia and Emilia Romagna will be announced in the early part of 2015.