Under-21s get to show off

The Under-21 competition provides an important pipeline in our player development and scouting set-up, as well as a showcase for unions

The 2020 SA Rugby Under-21 Championship, featuring five provincial sides, kicks off on Sunday, October 4, and will be played at one venue — Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg — culminating in the final on October 30, SA Rugby announced on Wednesday.

The Xerox Lions Under-21 side will welcome their counterparts from the Cell C Sharks, Toyota Free State, DHL Western Province and Vodacom Blue Bulls to their iconic stadium for this exciting, action packed and streamlined tournament.

All teams will play each other once, with semifinals and a final to conclude this showpiece of the best emerging South African rugby talent, with two matches to take place every four days.

The hosts will take on Toyota Free State in their opening match on Sunday, October 4, a couple of hours after the NorthSouth derby between DHL Western Province and defending champions, the Vodacom Blue Bulls. The Cell C Sharks have a bye in the first round.

SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, expressed his excitement.

“The Under-21 competition provides an important pipeline in our player development and scouting set-up, as well as a showcase for unions in terms of contracting senior players,” said Erasmus.

“Traditionally, some exciting players emerge from this tournament and this time it will be no different. It will be great to see this age group showcasing their talents.

“A lot of the players have already been spotted in our elite player development structures, and we will be monitoring their progress with keen interest.”

All five teams will be based in Johannesburg for the tournament. Covid-19 regulations will be in effect, with no spectators allowed and limited working personnel in the stadiumon match days.