Rugby championship is coming to town

WORLD RUGBY and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have announced that the World Rugby U20 Championship 2016 will be held in Manchester.

Hosted by the RFU, the tournament will take place the AJ Bell Stadium, home of Sale Sharks, and Manchester City’s Academy Stadium, offering back-to-back international rugby in June 2016.

The annual event, which is currently taking place in Italy, is contested by 12 national teams at under-20 level, showcasing future stars of rugby union.

Previously known as the Junior World Championship, the tournament was introduced in 2008 with Wales, Japan, Argentina, Italy, South Africa, France and New Zealand having all played host. Only three nations have lifted the coveted trophy, New Zealand (2008-11), South Africa (2012) and current title holders England who won back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014.

The tournament proves crucial in offering a pathway for future stars of the game to progress to the highest international test stage. Since 2008, 24 senior England players have progressed through the U20s programme including the likes of Owen Farrell and George Ford. In total, 335 players have made the step up globally.