Inaugural rugby championship under-20 all set for sunshine coast kick-off

The Rugby Championship Under-20, to be played at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Bokarina on Australia’s eastern seaboard, kicks-off on Thursday 2 May. It is the inaugural Championship and the Australia U20, New Zealand U20, Junior Springboks and Los Pumitas are all  in camp and training ahead of the kick-off with Southern Hemisphere  supremacy up for grabs over the three match days.

The captains gathered at Point Arkwright Lookout, Coolum, today with the trophy as anticipation and excitement grows ahead of the Championship. The TRC U20 will comprise a round-robin format where all teams will play each other once (see match schedule below). The top team after the three-round, six-match tournament will be declared the TRC U20 champion.

SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris stated, “After months of preparation and planning it is wonderful that we are now just a few days away from kick-off. The Sunshine Coast Stadium is ready to host the Championship and with free entry for the public we look forward to welcoming everyone."

"SANZAAR encourages rugby fans to support the Championship and the amazing young talent that will be on display. The three match days, all with double-headers, will feature the stars of the future and perhaps the next generation of Wallabies, All Blacks, Springboks and Pumas."

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said, " The Sunshine Coast was keen to show support for Rugby Union by hosting this new competition."

“We have a long-term strategy to attract elite sports, athletes and national teams to train, stay and play here on our Sunshine Coast in the lead up to key events like the British & Irish Lions Tour in 2025, two Rugby World Cups - men’s in 2027 and women’s in 2029 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Hosting the SANZAAR TRC U20 championship marks a crucial investment in developing young players, providing them with a clear pathway into senior and international rugby."

“It's a unique opportunity for these players to gain valuable experience and adapt to the demands of top-level competition. It is also a chance for coaches, team management and officials to grow and learn alongside these rising stars."

“I encourage rugby fans to join in on the action on Thursday May 2, Tuesday May 7 and Sunday May 12 for three thrilling double-header match rounds at Sunshine Coast Stadium."

“Come and witness the best under-20 talent from New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Australia battling it out on the field.”