New Zealand

After finishing the 2015 U20 Six Nations in 3rd place and failing to set the tournament alight, it is fair to say expectations were low for Ireland heading into the World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester.

The second round of games in the World Rugby U20 on Saturday at the at the Manchester City Academy Stadium saw thrilling encounter between Wales and Georgia, Ireland pulling of an upset against New Zealand and England dominating Scotland.

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed on Monday that George North has been ruled out of the remainder of the series against New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury in the first Test against the All Blacks in Auckland.

Wales lock Luke Charteris will have the opportunity to lead his country for the first time when they take on the Super Rugby side Chiefs at the FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Wales wing George North's participation in the remainder of the New Zealand tour is under a cloud after he sustained a hamstring injury in the first Test in Auckland.

The All Blacks scored three impressive tries in the second half to overcome Wales' half-time three points lead to register a 39-21 victory at Eden Park on Saturday.

Wales' injury woes ahead of the Test series against New Zealand continues as scrum-half Lloyd Williams and prop Paul James have been ruled out of the tour without playing a game.

It’s that time of year again when the northern hemisphere’s finest travel south of the equator (or staying above it in the case of Scotland) to do battle with the best of the southern hemisphere and, more often than not, take quite the beating.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has backed the experienced players in his squad to deliver when they take on New Zealand in a three-Test series which begins on Saturday.

Steve Hansen has announced that Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea and Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu are set to make their debut for New Zealand in the first Test against Wales at the Eden Park on Saturday.

The opening day of the World Rugby U20 Championship threw up a number of surprises, shocks, and statements writes Lewis Hughes as he recaps all the action from the first round of games at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards has warned his team to be at their absolute best when they face New Zealand in a three-Test series which kicks-off on Saturday.

The World Rugby U20 Championship kicks off this week and whilst international head coaches will be focused on their upcoming tests, they will also be paying plenty of attention to the next generation of players showcasing their abilities in Manchester.

The ninth edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship kicks off in Manchester this weekend and marks the first time that two-time winners England have hosted the event.

Wales attack coach Rob Howley urged his team to create history by defeating All Blacks for the first time in New Zealand during the first Test at Eden Park on Saturday.

Former All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen believes Wales will face an uphill task during the Test series against New Zealand which begins on 11th June.

The New Zealand U20 side began their preparations for the World Rugby U20 Championship last week, comfortably beating their local rivals Australia, 30-10, at Bond University on Tuesday.

Wales skipper Sam Warburton said his side will be relishing the challenge of facing the All Blacks team during the upcoming tour of New Zealand which starts on 11th June.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is wary of the challenges that lie ahead during their upcoming tour of New Zealand in this month.

All Stars centre Sonny Bill Williams has signed a new three-year contract with New Zealand Rugby which will be effective until after the 2019 World Cup.