Under-20 Rugby Championship to be launched from 2024

SANZAAR has announced the launch of new Under-20 Rugby Championship from 2024 season.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina will compete in the inaugural annual tournament which will be played in Gold Coast in Australia next year.

The competition will be played in a round-robin format which each team playing the other three sides in a span of three weeks.

"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," SANZAAR chairman Hamish McLennan said.

"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."

SANZAAR chief executive Brendan Morris insisted that the tournament will encourage the young talent in the countries.

"This is a vital step in the progression of young talent across our member unions as importantly it will provide extra development opportunities each year for players, coaches, team management and match officials, and will allow for better preparation into the World Rugby Championship," he said.

"There is still some detail to put in place and we will announce this as we approach the kick-off of the inaugural tournament. The member unions are all committed to ensuring the U20 tournament is a best practice event that develops the young talent they have at their disposal."