The Ireland U20s verdict on making semi-final without playing Australia
The Irish, who had nine points after two matches, were due to take on Australia, who had six points, on Tuesday in the final round…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 10:08
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World Rugby U20 Championship News
Get the latest World Rugby U20 Championship news with RugbyPass. Whether you’re searching for player interviews, in-depth match reports or the latest squad news, you’re in the right place. All of the latest and greatest World Rugby U20 Championship news can be found below.
Live blog: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day Three
While the schedule in South Africa is officially listed as the final round of the pool stage, it’s essentially the quarter-final…
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 5:57
Getting to Know: England U20s lock Junior Kpoku
Kpoku was given a dice roll as an in-camp forfeit and rolling a six meant dying his hair or getting a buzz. The upside was that wh…
Interview
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 3:14
Four World Rugby U20 Championship match day three talking points
Wales versus defending champions France in Pool A is essentially a play-off to decide who clinches the single best runner-up spot …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2024, 2:48
U20: Les Bleuets face double challenge to retain title
France U20 faces a major challenge: a formidable Wales team with potentially disastrous weather conditions.
Interview
Willy Billiard
08 Jul 2024, 12:34
What to watch in men's rugby: U20 Championship, Trophy races heat up
It is another busy week of international action on RugbyPass TV as the World Rugby U20 Championship and World Rugby U20 Trophy con…
Martyn Thomas
08 Jul 2024, 11:48
World Rugby U20 Championship match day three game-by-game guide
Three matches are scheduled for Athlone: Ireland-Australia (2pm local time), France-Wales (4:30pm) and South Africa-England (7pm).…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
08 Jul 2024, 8:35
Rampant Scotland hit another century in World Rugby U20 Trophy
Scotland racked up another century of points at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh as they cruised to a second bonus-point win of the World…
Jon Newcombe
07 Jul 2024, 16:54
Asher Opoku-Fordjour: 'You want to be the one that dominates'
Marler is not alone in liking the look of Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Alex Sanderson, the youngster’s boss at the Sharks, is constantl…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2024, 2:36
Four talking points after World Rugby U20 Championship match day two
There were thrilling finishes, loads of excellent tries and even the novelty of needing a review to judge whether the final kick o…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 7:09
What last-gasp hero Finn Treacy made of Ireland's 24-phase try
The Irish looked set to be beaten as they had surrendered an early 12-0 lead and were trailing 15-16 and were fortunate not to be …
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 4:42
The Junior Boks explanation for their heavy defeat to Argentina
The Junior Boks had won the previous two games they had played against the Argentinians. Now, with the tables drastically turned, …
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 3:33
The Rico Simpson verdict on his TMO-reviewed game-winning kick
The Baby Blacks place-kicker had his frustrations during his team’s ding-dong match with France, the defending champions.
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2024, 2:43
Jono Gibbes' ‘do-or-die’ reaction to late, late New Zealand U20s win
The Baby Blacks trailed 0-11 at the break following an opening period where they were heavily penalised on the penalty count, culm…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 20:01
Recap: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day Two
RugbyPass will spend the day at the Danie Craven where the all-European clash of the Irish and the Georgians gets things going at …
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 6:41
Lucas de la Rua: 'You're almost in shock, there’s nothing you can do'
His exotic-sounding name is rooted in the Iberian Peninsula as both his parents hail from Spain, but he is very much a born-and-ra…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 2:12
Getting to Know: South Africa U20s full-back Bruce Sherwood
The Capetonian, who celebrated his 20th birthday last week ahead of the opening-round win over Fiji at DHL Stadium, was part of Ba…
Interview
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 2:04
Four World Rugby U20 Championship match day two talking points
It’s the sort of programme that should have rugby fans having two gadgets on the go at the same time so that none of the action …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2024, 1:42
What France U20 think of the Baby Blacks
The second match of the U20 World Championship promises to be a do-or-die affair for both teams.
Analysis
Willy Billiard
03 Jul 2024, 14:24
World Rugby U20 Championship match day two game by game guide
Three matches are scheduled for Stellenbosch: Ireland vs Georgia (kick-off 2pm local), France vs New Zealand (4:30pm) and South Af…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 3:03
Getting to Know: England U20s loosehead Asher Opoku-Fordjour
A year ago he was coming to the age-grade event in Cape Town off the back of a challenging season in England. Part of the Wasps ac…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 2:42
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips: 'I've got a pretty cruisy lifestyle'
A veteran of last year’s age-grade tournament where the Aussies placed fifth, the straight-shooting No10 has returned to South A…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2024, 2:28
Records tumble as Scotland and Japan win big on day one of U20 Trophy
The opening day of the World Rugby U20 Trophy produced the two highest scores in the history of the competition, with hosts Scotla…
Jon Newcombe
02 Jul 2024, 15:16
The Finn Carnduff verdict on England U20s making 12 changes
What the wholesale shake-up said about England is that they trust their strength in depth, but also that skipper Finn Carnduff is …
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 12:50
What Castro-Ferreira will bring to France U20s against New Zealand
The arrival of Stade Toulousain back-row Mathis Castro-Ferreira has shaken up the 23-man Bleuets squad that will face New Zealand.
Willy Billiard
02 Jul 2024, 12:20
Baby Blacks change five for massive U20s clash with champions France
The Kiwis got the show on the road with a 41-34 Pool A win over Wales at Athlone and they have now changed three forwards and two …
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 11:31
Ireland U20s confirm seven changes for match day two versus Georgia
The Irish were impressive 55-15 opening day winners over Italy last Saturday at DHL Stadium and Willie Faloon has now changed four…
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 10:14
Mapletoft names England U20s team showing 12 changes to face Fiji
The English were impressive 40-21 comeback winners over Argentina on opening day at the Championship last Saturday and coach Mark …
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 9:51
Junior Boks make three changes, opt for a six/two bench split
The age-grade South Africans got their World Rugby U20 Championship off to a winning start with a 57-7 victory over Fiji last Satu…
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 9:25
Junior Wallabies fly in four replacements for match day two
Four players were ruled out through injury following the 35-11 win and will miss the remainder of the tournament. Meanwhile, lock …
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 8:59
Getting to know: France U20s out-half Hugo Reus
Reus was only a late confirmation in the French squad, as it wasn’t until La Rochelle were eliminated from the Top 14 at the sem…
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2024, 2:37
Bleuets vs. Baby Blacks: 'We're all eager to play the best game of our lives'
After their opening match against Spain, France U20 are eagerly anticipating a big game against New Zealand on Thursday.
Interview
Willy Billiard
01 Jul 2024, 12:40
What to watch in men’s rugby: U20 Trophy kicks off as Championship continues
We stand at the start of another huge week of international age-grade rugby, and you can watch it all live and for free on RugbyPa…
Martyn Thomas
01 Jul 2024, 12:20
The England U20 verdict on 17-year-old debut maker Lucas Friday
The hat-trick scoring jack Bracken wasn’t the player that coach Mark Mapletoft reserved special praise for in the aftermath of t…
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2024, 3:59
Getting to know: Wales U20s openside Lucas de la Rua
Lucas de la Rua was the starting Wales No7 on both occasions and his year in between these age-grade World Cup clashes featured a …
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2024, 3:16
Four talking points after World Rugby U20 Championship day one
Saturday’s opening round of the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship produced a feast of age-grade entertainment. There were some e…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 5:27
Junior Kpoku: 'That wasn't down to me, it was all behind closed doors'
The dramatic thing is, he wasn’t long packing up again in Devon and taking a giant October leap across the Channel. Stuart Lanca…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 3:11
Junior Boks boss Bafana Nhleko: ‘Two things stand out for me’
The Junior Boks spluttered their way into the semi-finals at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship, inconsistencies that Ireland e…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 3:02
The Faloon, O’Connell verdict as Ireland U20s soothe Italian pain
Numerous winning teams caught the eye on Saturday across the opening round of the World Rugby U20 Championship, but Ireland deserv…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 2:40
Jack Bracken: 'Third try was pretty good; lucky with the bounce'
Jack Bracken wasn’t part of the England squad that clinched the Six Nations U20s title 15 weeks ago, yet he was in Cape Town on …
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2024, 2:16
New Zealand U20 hold off fast finishing Wales for opening day win
The New Zealand U20 have opened their World Championship campaign in South Africa with a 41-34 win over a resilient Wales side.
Ben Smith
29 Jun 2024, 17:22
Live blog: World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in Cape Town – Day One
Five of the Six Nations countries and all four Rugby Championship participants are now in South Africa along with Georgia, Spain a…
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 5:58
What would leave Mark Mapletoft 'pretty devastated as a coach'
Having clinched the Six Nations title with a spectacular win away to France in Pau last March, the English have been drawn in a po…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 3:01
The play where South Africa are expecting 'a lot more gamesmanship'
Six round one pool matches are on the schedule, with the host nation rounding off the three-game DHL Stadium programme with an eve…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 2:56
Four World Rugby U20 Championship opening round talking points
It won’t be until the July 19 final that the 2024 champions become known, but this weekend’s six-match round one is set to del…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 2:04
Getting to know: Australia U20s out-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
However, if selection was a criteria that included good manners and conversational ability, then Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has eve…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2024, 1:41
New Zealand U20 begin quest for drought-breaking title against Wales
New Zealand U20 opener their U20 Championship campaign against Wales U20 on Sunday morning (NZST).
Finn Morton
28 Jun 2024, 19:08
Mark Mapletoft: Why England U20s invited RugbyPass to film Embedded
The English open their Pool C campaign this Saturday with a heavyweight clash versus Argentina in Athlone and the first episode of…
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 5:24
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool C team by team guide
It will be round three in Athlone on July 9 when that fancied duo – last year’s beaten semi-finalists – go head-to-head in a…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:34
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool B team by team guide
Australia felt hard done by in their round two loss to Ireland in Paarl because in the aftermath of their 10-30 defeat, Irish back…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:24
World Rugby U20 Championship: Pool A team by team guide
The Spanish have the honour of opening the pool the DHL Stadium this Saturday, taking on a French team that didn’t fire on all c…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:13
Getting to know: New Zealand U20s hooker Vernon Bason
For a country with a glittering heritage in the tournament, especially in the early years when they won four in a row, seventh pla…
Interview
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2024, 2:00
Australia name strong side for tough U20 Championship opener
Australia U20s coach Nathan Grey has named a strong side for the team’s opener at the World Rugby U20 Championship on Sunday mor…
Finn Morton
27 Jun 2024, 20:07
New series shows England ‘fighting for each other’ in U20 Championship quest
New five-part RugbyPass TV series Embedded takes you behind the scenes of the England camp as they bid to win the World Rugby U20 …
Martyn Thomas
27 Jun 2024, 14:53
Munster prospects aim to drive Ireland U20s to world glory
Back-rower Brian Gleeson and captain Evan O’Connell are among those aiming to go one better than last year in South Africa.
LONG READ
Pat McCarry
27 Jun 2024, 2:44
Five 2023 U20 Championship players who are already playing Test rugby
Multiple stars were born, especially from the better performing European teams who had the advantage of having a taxing Six Nation…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2024, 2:15
Getting to know: Wales U20s blindside Ryan Woodman
The back-rower has timed him run to rude health perfectly to ensure he is fit and ready to lead Wales out when they take on New Ze…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2024, 2:07
From rejection to redemption: Angus Staniforth’s journey to Australia U20s
Australia's Angus Staniforth is a player to watch at the World Rugby U20 Championship over the next few weeks.
Interview
Finn Morton
27 Jun 2024, 1:59
What to watch in men’s rugby: Young stars ready to shine at U20 Championship
The race to become World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 winners will get underway in Cape Town this Saturday, and you can watch all t…
Martyn Thomas
26 Jun 2024, 15:32
Getting to know: Ireland U20s out-half Jack Murphy
The youngster demonstrated he had nerves of steel during the recent age-grade Six Nations, calmly kicking late penalties for the I…
Interview
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2024, 2:45
Where are they now? The 2023 England World Rugby U20 Championship team
His preparations consisted of an on-the-fly drawn two-match series in Georgia before flying to South Africa where his English youn…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2024, 2:35
Where are they now? The 2008 New Zealand U20 Championship winners
It was music to New Zealand ears. They had won the final of the U19s tournament that was staged in Ireland in 2007, and it was onl…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
26 Jun 2024, 2:04
Rising star reflects on Super Rugby experience before ‘exciting’ U20 campaign
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is expected to play a leading role with the Junior Wallabies at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape…
Finn Morton
26 Jun 2024, 0:08
Where are they now? The 2012 South Africa U20 Championship winners
A crowd of 33,210 turned up at the now-closed Newlands to see an age-grade South African side inspired by a then 18-year-old Handr…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2024, 5:23
Where are they now? The 2023 Ireland U20 Championship runners-up team
Ireland went into last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship with very high hopes after clinching their second successive Six Nati…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2024, 3:45
Where are they now? The 2016 five to follow U20 Championship players
A glossy 28-page programme was published for that edition of the tournament and the preview intro certainly hyped what was set to …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2024, 3:37
Where are they now? The 2023 France U20 Championship-winning team
Les Bleus had won the 2018 and 2019 tournament finals in Beziers and Rosario but the pandemic forced the cancellation of the next …
Analysis
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2024, 3:02
Jack Murphy: 'It was a bit weird and took a while to get used to'
His cake and candles milestone is July 15, four days before the DHL Stadium final of the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2024, 2:58
Mark Mapletoft: 'Stuff like that winds me up, it’s cheap and easy'
Given that they are about to fly to South Africa for the World Rugby U20 Championship, a tournament that will be played in the sou…
Interview
Liam Heagney
16 Jun 2024, 2:24
Ireland include four uncapped players in U20 Championship squad
Forwards Max Flynn and Mikey Yarr, along with backs Ruben Moloney and Jake O'Riordan are the new names added to the squad that Ric…
Liam Heagney
14 Jun 2024, 9:48
Uncapped brothers included as Wales name U20 Championship squad
The Welsh signed off on the recent Six Nations with a fifth place finish following home wins over Scotland and Italy and are now p…
Liam Heagney
13 Jun 2024, 9:50
Australia recruit more speed and power for U20 Championship squad
Six new names feature in the Australia U20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship beginning at the end of this month in South …
Ned Lester
10 Jun 2024, 23:17
France re-match drawn for New Zealand U20s in tough pool group
The New Zealand U20s will get the opportunity to avenge last year's defeat to France U20 when the World Championships kick off in …
Ben Smith
28 May 2024, 23:55
World Rugby U20s fixtures confirmed; Cape Town Stadium to host final
Having staged last year’s tournament at Athlone, Stellenbosch, and Paarl, an event won by France for the third time in a row, th…
Liam Heagney
28 May 2024, 4:14
England U20s subjected to first half thrashing by Coventry
Coventry taught England U20s a valuable lesson as the club marked their 150th anniversary in style at Butts Park Arena.
Ian Cameron
26 May 2024, 9:52
New Zealand U20s first five Rico Simpson has a habit of beating Australia
In 2023 Rico Simpson was a dominant figure in the New Zealand Secondary Schools 34-3 and 57-36 successes over Australia. Across th…
Interview
Adam Julian
21 May 2024, 19:45
IRFU confirm Ireland U20s replacement for Richie Murphy
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed a new look coaching team for the Ireland U20s at the upcoming World Rugby U20 …
Ian Cameron
13 May 2024, 12:52
England prospect Henry Pollock wins coveted Six Nations gong
Nineteen-year-old England U20s flanker Henry Pollock has been named the 2024 Under-20 Men's Six Nations Player of the Championship…
Ian Cameron
06 May 2024, 10:02
New Zealand U20 team named to play South Africa in U20 Rugby Championship opener
New Zealand U20 head coach Jono Gibbes has named a 23-man team to play South Africa on the Sunshine Coast in the inaugural U20 Rug…
Ben Smith
30 Apr 2024, 21:38
New Zealand U20's first five abandoned his Arizona baseball dream to stay in rugby
Grant eventually abandoned his baseball dreams and has just been selected for the New Zealand Under 20s to compete in the inaugura…
Interview
Adam Julian
29 Apr 2024, 20:44
'It’s not so much what they’re doing, it’s what we do': New Zealand u20s looking to end title drought
New Zealand Under 20 are the most successful nation in the World Rugby Junior Championship winning the title six times since its i…
Interview
Adam Julian
14 Apr 2024, 19:46
Host venues announced for upcoming World Rugby U20 competitions
World Rugby has today unveiled the details for its two flagship U20 competitions, the World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 and the Wo…
Grant Constable
07 Feb 2024, 8:34
England name team for final match before U20 Six Nations
Mark Mapletoft and Andy Titterrell have made four changes to the England U20 starting XV that narrowly lost to Bath United last we…
Josh Raisey
11 Jan 2024, 11:04
New Zealand continue their winning streak in the World School's Festival as Westlake take the spoils
New Zealand continue their winning streak in the World School's Festival as Westlake take the spoils.
Tom Parker
17 Dec 2023, 19:41
South African schools show their class yet again in World Schools Festival
South African schools yet again showed their strength in the Cup competition for the World School's Festival in Thailand.
Tom Parker
13 Dec 2023, 16:54
How to watch the World Schools Festival 2023
It’s here – the World Schools Festival live on Rugby Pass.
We are a day away from seeing some of the world’s best schools…
Tom Parker
11 Dec 2023, 16:00
English schools emerge as some of the favourites for World School's Festival 2023 with new teams announced
English schools have emerged as potential favourites for the World Schools Festival as strong colleges from the country come forwa…
Tom Parker
07 Dec 2023, 13:37
Major update from World Schools Festival 2023 as more sides from South Africa and New Zealand announced
Two of the in form schools around the rugby world have been announced to take part in the World Schools Festival 2023.
Tom Parker
30 Nov 2023, 13:49
Top Irish, South African sides to play at World Schools Festival 2023
The stellar line-up for the Cup competition at this year's World Schools Festival is gathering pace with Ireland's St Michael's Co…
Tom Parker
23 Nov 2023, 7:50
Shock Scotland U20s loss sees Uruguay clinch final date with Spain
Rugby in Scotland hit a new low on Tuesday when their promotion-chasing U20s team lost to Uruguay at the Junior World Trophy in Ke…
Liam Heagney
25 Jul 2023, 12:31
World Rugby U20 Championship Team of the Tournament
The best youngsters on the planet showcased their talent out in South Africa and a select XV stood out above all the rest
LONG READ
Alex Shaw
17 Jul 2023, 14:48
It's time for a rethink for the New Zealand U20s after another low finish
Since winning the first four World Championships between 2008 and 2011, New Zealand has only won twice since 2015 and has missed t…
Opinion
Adam Julian
16 Jul 2023, 18:16
Two players in the dock after World Rugby U20 finals weekend
These players, hailing from Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand, received red cards during their respective matches, prompting the n…
Ian Cameron
16 Jul 2023, 9:31
France U20s credit 'crazy serenity' after overcoming another early deficit in final
Lenni Nouchi, the French captain, recognised his side's composure as one of their great attributes.
Ned Lester
14 Jul 2023, 23:47
France World Rugby U20s Champions after dispatching Ireland in style
France emerged victorious with a resounding 50-14 win over Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship Final held at Athlone Stadi…
Ian Cameron
14 Jul 2023, 14:53
South Africa outmuscle England to secure third at World Rugby U20s
South Africa secured their ninth U20 Championship bronze medal by defeating England 22-15 in an intense encounter at Athlone Spor…
Kim Ekin
14 Jul 2023, 13:02
Ireland make one change for World Rugby U20 Championship final
Ireland U20 flanker James McNabney will return from his two-match ban to start against France U20 on Friday in the World Rugby U20…
Josh Raisey
12 Jul 2023, 13:35
South Africa U20 and England U20 make sweeping changes for third place play-off
South Africa U20 and England U20 will bring their World Rugby U20 Championships to a close this Friday with wholesale changes in t…
Josh Raisey
12 Jul 2023, 11:38
France unchanged for World Rugby U20 Championship final against Ireland
France U20 coach Sébastien Calvet has named an unchanged starting XV for the World Rugby U20 Championship final against Ireland U…
Josh Raisey
12 Jul 2023, 5:44
France U20s book final spot after subduing England
France produced a remarkable comeback to book a World Rugby U20 Championship Final berth by dispatching England in Cape Town on Su…
Ian Cameron
09 Jul 2023, 16:52
Ireland dump Junior Boks out of World Rugby U20 Championship
Ireland's U20s team secured a spot in the World Rugby U20s final with an impressive semi-final victory over hosts South Africa at …
Ian Cameron
09 Jul 2023, 13:21
New Zealand U20 fall short to Junior Wallabies after early red card
New Zealand was ahead 12-8 when Allen departed but conceding a 6-0 penalty count soon saw blindside Malachi Wrampling-Alec sin bin…
Adam Julian
09 Jul 2023, 12:17
'That was a scary process... knowing you could be cut at any point'
Hand on heart, the future of international rugby is in a good place just now judging by the array of entertaining personalities th…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2023, 5:15
'Your body's sore all the time having small gaps between games'
It’s quite the Everest having young men play five matches in the space of 20 days at the Junior World Championship in South Afri…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
09 Jul 2023, 4:45
Why the French U20 team are favourites to the the World Championship
French rugby's pathway to success is exemplified by Les Bleuets who are in irrepressible form as they prepare to face England
LONG READ
Lauren Jenkins
07 Jul 2023, 17:40
'You want a car crash collision; that's the sexy part of it'
It’s the little things that stand out when it comes to leadership. Junior Wallabies skipper Teddy Wilson arrived for an intervie…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2023, 12:16
'We looked in the mirror and had some pretty honest conversations'
It wasn’t meant to turn out like this for the Baby Blacks at this first Junior World Championship since 2019. The tournament’s…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
07 Jul 2023, 12:13
‘We were the better side but the scoreboard doesn’t show that’
The regrets were plenty when Nathan Grey provided his hot take on his Junior Wallabies’ pool campaign at the Junior World Champi…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 12:08
‘It’s not right for me to talk about previous games’
One endearing thing that you have to like about Mark Jones is that he doesn’t do bluff.
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 12:00
The Posolo Tuilagi verdict on becoming an U20s viral sensation
Gentle giants is the description for the phalanx of Tuilagi brothers whose physicality and subtle ball skills have lit up professi…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 8:03
'How could we not qualify for the semi-finals when we hadn’t lost?'
The tunnel area at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday afternoon was quite an awkward place for England to be. They had just been pegged to…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 4:54
'Amazing': The post-match message from Junior Springboks to Ireland
Bafana Nhleko found time in the aftermath of his biggest win as the Junior Springboks head coach to send his condolences to the gr…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 4:12
Watch: Four swift offloads set France U20 away for spectacular try
France cemented their place in the U20 Championship semi-finals in style with a 43-19 win over Six Nations counterparts Wales in S…
Ned Lester
04 Jul 2023, 20:39
New Zealand U20 finish strong over Japan but fall short of semi-finals
The New Zealand Under 20s won’t contest the semi-finals of the World Rugby Under 20 championships despite a 62-19 victory in the…
Adam Julian
04 Jul 2023, 15:23
Live blog: Junior World Championship in South Africa – day three
It’s day three at what has so far proven to be a thrilling 2023 Junior World Championship in South Africa.
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2023, 4:14
'Eight to 10 weeks into the pandemic, I'd chucked on nearly a stone'
Size very much became a major talking point last Thursday at the U20s World Cup in South Africa.
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2023, 1:53
World Rugby statement: Tragic death of ex-Scotland player Greig Oliver
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has paid tribute to Greig Oliver, the former Scotland scrum-half who was tragically killed in a…
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2023, 1:29
'He shows size doesn’t matter, that you can still hit the big guys'
RugbyPass had a very Welsh lunchtime the other day in Cape Town, an interview with the legendary Sam Warburton over Zoom getting f…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2023, 4:12
Junior Wallabies confirm side for must-win pool clash with England
The Junior Wallabies have made some significant changes to their starting side ahead of their must-win pool clash against England …
Finn Morton
02 Jul 2023, 15:49
Getting to know: England U20s scrum-half Charlie Bracken
There are numerous players at the Junior World Championship who hail from families with serious reputations at the top-end of the …
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2023, 3:29
Getting to know: Baby Blacks U20s forward Will Stodart
It has so far not been a vintage Junior World Championship for New Zealand, as they only scrapped by Wales – the bottom team in …
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 16:39
Disciplinary hearing blow for Ireland U20s as two more players banned
Ireland have suffered a double blow at the Junior World Championship, starting back-rower James McNabney and replacement Rory Telf…
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 15:27
Inclement weather causes Junior World Championship venue change
South Africa’s winter weather at the Junior World Championship has resulted in World Rugby amending some of its plans for the re…
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 10:46
Junior Wallabies fly in injury reinforcements to South Africa
The Junior Wallabies are still counting the cost of last Thursday’s pool loss to Ireland at the Junior World Championship.
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 7:29
Getting to know: Wales U20s full-back Cameron Winnett
Good news in Welsh rugby is hard to come by in 2023. Even their U20s were mired by negativity, finishing with the wooden spoon in …
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 5:28
The ‘calmness about him’ gamble England U20s are enjoying at No10
Topping Pool B after two matches at the Junior World Championship wasn’t how it was predicted to turn out for England in South A…
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 3:54
Getting to know: Junior Wallabies U20s captain Teddy Wilson
The Junior Wallabies got bogged down by Ireland and the dreadful weather conditions in Paarl last Thursday, but skipper Teddy Wils…
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 2:53
Overreaction to Baby Boks defeat needs perspective
On Thursday, the South African U20 ‘Baby Boks’ lost in the mud and sludge to their Italian counterparts in Paarl by a score of…
Opinion
Daniel Gallan
30 Jun 2023, 10:40
The Ireland verdict on clinical reaction to 'last chance saloon'
Paarl in the Thursday mud was a cauldron of raw emotion, agony and ecstasy shared out across all three compelling Junior World Cha…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2023, 5:15
Junior Springboks’ message to upset fans after shock U20s loss
It was weird catching up with Bafana Nhleko in the wake of the shocking defeat of the Junior Springboks.
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2023, 4:57
Grey: The 'wet tournament' lesson that Junior Wallabies must learn
Nathan Grey had no excuses after seeing his Junior Wallabies soundly beaten 30-10 by Ireland at the Junior World Championship.
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2023, 19:56
‘These men have never come up against forwards that are 150kgs’
This wasn’t supposed to be how it turned out for New Zealand at the Junior World Championship, Clark Laidlaw's U20s left nursing…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2023, 19:20
New Zealand U20 overpowered by France as Tuilagi's son dominates
It was a case of too little too late, however. France always looked capable of taking the game to another level. Brent Liufau had …
Adam Julian
29 Jun 2023, 15:41
Live blog: Junior World Championship in South Africa – day two
It’s day two at the 2023 Junior World Championship and another cracking fixtures list is in store with six more matches set to b…
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2023, 4:13
Getting to know: Junior Springboks fly-half Jean Smith
Saturday night in Stellenbosch played host to a lovely moment post-match as Jean Smith managed to grab some time with his family.
Interview
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2023, 4:12
New Zealand U20 team named to face France in crunch match
New Zealand U20 have named their side to face France U20 in a crucial pool match at the World Rugby U20 Championships in South Afr…
Ben Smith
27 Jun 2023, 19:42
England U20s make a dozen changes to starting XV to face Fiji
England have named a starting XV to play Fiji on Thursday at the Junior World Championship showing a dozen changes from last Satur…
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 13:27
Junior Springboks include five uncapped players in XV to play Italy
Bafana Nhleko has opted to explore the depth of his Junior Springboks squad on Thursday when they take on Italy in their second ma…
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 8:54
Four changes for Ireland for must-win encounter versus Australia
Ireland have made four changes to their starting XV for Thursday’s second pool match at the Junior World Championship.
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 5:40
The backstory of how Mark Jones' Wales nearly shocked New Zealand
It’s extraordinary what a bit of clear and effective re-organisation can quickly achieve. Just a few months ago Wales had been r…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 4:25
Grey makes 10 changes to his Junior Wallabies XV to take on Ireland
Junior Wallabies head coach Nathan Grey has made 10 changes to his side to face Ireland U20s on Thursday in South Africa following…
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 4:19
Getting to know: England U20s captain Lewis Chessum
Lewis Chessum was a prime reason why England came away from Paarl last Saturday with an impressive 34-all draw versus Ireland in a…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 3:45
'The easy option would have been to do something out of character'
Having squeezed in attendance at four of the six round one Junior World Championship on Saturday despite a 40-minute road trip sep…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 3:05
The England verdict on rookie out-half and two 18-year-old props
Mark Mapletoft thought he had seen and done it all at the Junior World Championship but Saturday’s dramatic draw for England ver…
Interview
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2023, 5:42
'It's a 27-hour flight, I wasn’t coming to mess around'
RugbyPass couldn’t have timed it better to hook up in person with Chandler Cunningham-South. It was June 6 when he was officiall…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2023, 4:15
The message Ireland have given to missed kicks Sam Prendergast
The Junior World Championship hasn’t hung around in quickly heaping the pressure on Ireland, the back-to-back Six Nations Grand …
Interview
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2023, 4:04
Australia Sevens rep Lancaster stars as Junior Wallabies beat Fiji
A double to Australia men's Sevens rep Darby Lancaster has propelled the Junior Wallabies to a 47-36 win over Fiji U20 in their op…
Ben Smith
24 Jun 2023, 19:01
‘We were the better side but the scoreboard doesn’t show that’
The regrets were plenty when Nathan Grey provided his hot take on his Junior Wallabies’ pool campaign at the Junior World Champi…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 12:08
‘It’s not right for me to talk about previous games’
One endearing thing that you have to like about Mark Jones is that he doesn’t do bluff.
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 12:00
The Posolo Tuilagi verdict on becoming an U20s viral sensation
Gentle giants is the description for the phalanx of Tuilagi brothers whose physicality and subtle ball skills have lit up professi…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 8:03
'How could we not qualify for the semi-finals when we hadn’t lost?'
The tunnel area at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday afternoon was quite an awkward place for England to be. They had just been pegged to…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 4:54
'Amazing': The post-match message from Junior Springboks to Ireland
Bafana Nhleko found time in the aftermath of his biggest win as the Junior Springboks head coach to send his condolences to the gr…
Interview
Liam Heagney
05 Jul 2023, 4:12
Watch: Four swift offloads set France U20 away for spectacular try
France cemented their place in the U20 Championship semi-finals in style with a 43-19 win over Six Nations counterparts Wales in S…
Ned Lester
04 Jul 2023, 20:39
New Zealand U20 finish strong over Japan but fall short of semi-finals
The New Zealand Under 20s won’t contest the semi-finals of the World Rugby Under 20 championships despite a 62-19 victory in the…
Adam Julian
04 Jul 2023, 15:23
Live blog: Junior World Championship in South Africa – day three
It’s day three at what has so far proven to be a thrilling 2023 Junior World Championship in South Africa.
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2023, 4:14
'Eight to 10 weeks into the pandemic, I'd chucked on nearly a stone'
Size very much became a major talking point last Thursday at the U20s World Cup in South Africa.
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2023, 1:53
World Rugby statement: Tragic death of ex-Scotland player Greig Oliver
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has paid tribute to Greig Oliver, the former Scotland scrum-half who was tragically killed in a…
Liam Heagney
04 Jul 2023, 1:29
'He shows size doesn’t matter, that you can still hit the big guys'
RugbyPass had a very Welsh lunchtime the other day in Cape Town, an interview with the legendary Sam Warburton over Zoom getting f…
Interview
Liam Heagney
03 Jul 2023, 4:12
Junior Wallabies confirm side for must-win pool clash with England
The Junior Wallabies have made some significant changes to their starting side ahead of their must-win pool clash against England …
Finn Morton
02 Jul 2023, 15:49
Getting to know: England U20s scrum-half Charlie Bracken
There are numerous players at the Junior World Championship who hail from families with serious reputations at the top-end of the …
Interview
Liam Heagney
02 Jul 2023, 3:29
Getting to know: Baby Blacks U20s forward Will Stodart
It has so far not been a vintage Junior World Championship for New Zealand, as they only scrapped by Wales – the bottom team in …
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 16:39
Disciplinary hearing blow for Ireland U20s as two more players banned
Ireland have suffered a double blow at the Junior World Championship, starting back-rower James McNabney and replacement Rory Telf…
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 15:27
Inclement weather causes Junior World Championship venue change
South Africa’s winter weather at the Junior World Championship has resulted in World Rugby amending some of its plans for the re…
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 10:46
Junior Wallabies fly in injury reinforcements to South Africa
The Junior Wallabies are still counting the cost of last Thursday’s pool loss to Ireland at the Junior World Championship.
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 7:29
Getting to know: Wales U20s full-back Cameron Winnett
Good news in Welsh rugby is hard to come by in 2023. Even their U20s were mired by negativity, finishing with the wooden spoon in …
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 5:28
The ‘calmness about him’ gamble England U20s are enjoying at No10
Topping Pool B after two matches at the Junior World Championship wasn’t how it was predicted to turn out for England in South A…
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 3:54
Getting to know: Junior Wallabies U20s captain Teddy Wilson
The Junior Wallabies got bogged down by Ireland and the dreadful weather conditions in Paarl last Thursday, but skipper Teddy Wils…
Interview
Liam Heagney
01 Jul 2023, 2:53
Overreaction to Baby Boks defeat needs perspective
On Thursday, the South African U20 ‘Baby Boks’ lost in the mud and sludge to their Italian counterparts in Paarl by a score of…
Opinion
Daniel Gallan
30 Jun 2023, 10:40
The Ireland verdict on clinical reaction to 'last chance saloon'
Paarl in the Thursday mud was a cauldron of raw emotion, agony and ecstasy shared out across all three compelling Junior World Cha…
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2023, 5:15
Junior Springboks’ message to upset fans after shock U20s loss
It was weird catching up with Bafana Nhleko in the wake of the shocking defeat of the Junior Springboks.
Interview
Liam Heagney
30 Jun 2023, 4:57
Grey: The 'wet tournament' lesson that Junior Wallabies must learn
Nathan Grey had no excuses after seeing his Junior Wallabies soundly beaten 30-10 by Ireland at the Junior World Championship.
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2023, 19:56
‘These men have never come up against forwards that are 150kgs’
This wasn’t supposed to be how it turned out for New Zealand at the Junior World Championship, Clark Laidlaw's U20s left nursing…
Interview
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2023, 19:20
New Zealand U20 overpowered by France as Tuilagi's son dominates
It was a case of too little too late, however. France always looked capable of taking the game to another level. Brent Liufau had …
Adam Julian
29 Jun 2023, 15:41
Live blog: Junior World Championship in South Africa – day two
It’s day two at the 2023 Junior World Championship and another cracking fixtures list is in store with six more matches set to b…
Liam Heagney
29 Jun 2023, 4:13
Getting to know: Junior Springboks fly-half Jean Smith
Saturday night in Stellenbosch played host to a lovely moment post-match as Jean Smith managed to grab some time with his family.
Interview
Liam Heagney
28 Jun 2023, 4:12
New Zealand U20 team named to face France in crunch match
New Zealand U20 have named their side to face France U20 in a crucial pool match at the World Rugby U20 Championships in South Afr…
Ben Smith
27 Jun 2023, 19:42
England U20s make a dozen changes to starting XV to face Fiji
England have named a starting XV to play Fiji on Thursday at the Junior World Championship showing a dozen changes from last Satur…
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 13:27
Junior Springboks include five uncapped players in XV to play Italy
Bafana Nhleko has opted to explore the depth of his Junior Springboks squad on Thursday when they take on Italy in their second ma…
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 8:54
Four changes for Ireland for must-win encounter versus Australia
Ireland have made four changes to their starting XV for Thursday’s second pool match at the Junior World Championship.
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 5:40
The backstory of how Mark Jones' Wales nearly shocked New Zealand
It’s extraordinary what a bit of clear and effective re-organisation can quickly achieve. Just a few months ago Wales had been r…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 4:25
Grey makes 10 changes to his Junior Wallabies XV to take on Ireland
Junior Wallabies head coach Nathan Grey has made 10 changes to his side to face Ireland U20s on Thursday in South Africa following…
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 4:19
Getting to know: England U20s captain Lewis Chessum
Lewis Chessum was a prime reason why England came away from Paarl last Saturday with an impressive 34-all draw versus Ireland in a…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 3:45
'The easy option would have been to do something out of character'
Having squeezed in attendance at four of the six round one Junior World Championship on Saturday despite a 40-minute road trip sep…
Interview
Liam Heagney
27 Jun 2023, 3:05
The England verdict on rookie out-half and two 18-year-old props
Mark Mapletoft thought he had seen and done it all at the Junior World Championship but Saturday’s dramatic draw for England ver…
Interview
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2023, 5:42
'It's a 27-hour flight, I wasn’t coming to mess around'
RugbyPass couldn’t have timed it better to hook up in person with Chandler Cunningham-South. It was June 6 when he was officiall…
Exclusive
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2023, 4:15
The message Ireland have given to missed kicks Sam Prendergast
The Junior World Championship hasn’t hung around in quickly heaping the pressure on Ireland, the back-to-back Six Nations Grand …
Interview
Liam Heagney
25 Jun 2023, 4:04
Australia Sevens rep Lancaster stars as Junior Wallabies beat Fiji
A double to Australia men's Sevens rep Darby Lancaster has propelled the Junior Wallabies to a 47-36 win over Fiji U20 in their op…
Ben Smith
24 Jun 2023, 19:01
'Strange' reason why New Zealand U20s didn't mind trailing Wales 5-19
Clark Laidlaw played it cool in the aftermath of Saturday’s almighty scare for his New Zealand U20s.
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Jun 2023, 18:58
New Zealand U20s edge Wales after 14-point first half deficit
New Zealand U20s have survived their first pool clash in the World Rugby U20 Championships in Stellenbosch with a 27-26 win over W…
Ben Smith
24 Jun 2023, 17:49
Live blog: Junior World Championship in South Africa – day one
It's day one at the Glastonbury of age-grade international rugby, the men's U20s Rugby World Cup in South Africa with Paarl and St…
Liam Heagney
24 Jun 2023, 3:58
Getting to know: England U20s No8 Chandler Cunningham-South
Chandler Cunningham-South had a vibrant spring in his step when RugbyPass caught up with him on Thursday evening in Cape Town.
Interview
Liam Heagney
24 Jun 2023, 3:35
Che Clark's incredible rise from King's College to Sevens stardom
With his last touch of the ball in the King’s College First XV, Che Clark scored a 60m runaway try in a 56-5 hammering of Mount …
Interview
Adam Julian
23 Jun 2023, 22:59
The most capped U20s graduate list is a who’s who of Test rugby stars
It was 2008 when the Junior World Championship was created, Word Rugby – then known as IRB – deciding it would be best for the…
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2023, 5:16
Where are they now? – 2012 U20s Wales team that shocked New Zealand
Wales don’t feature on the list of Junior World Championship champions. That’s a restricted preserve consisting of only New Ze…
Analysis
Liam Heagney
23 Jun 2023, 4:39
Super Rugby and 7s talent on show as NZ U20s name team for opener
The New Zealand U20s have named a star-studded side for their World Rugby U20 Championship opener against Wales which includes som…
Finn Morton
23 Jun 2023, 0:16
Cassius Cleaves: England's viral sensation eyes U20 glory
The Harlequins flyer became an online hit with an incredible schoolboy highlights reel. Now he longs to win the U20 World Champion…
LONG READ
Claire Thomas
22 Jun 2023, 3:13
Phil Davies' 'reasonably instantaneous' smart ball promise
Phil Davies isn’t set to fly out to South Africa until July 6. The World Rugby director of rugby has other things in his in-tray…
Interview
Liam Heagney
21 Jun 2023, 4:48
Match-winner Godfrey a key asset for New Zealand U20s ahead of World Championships
The 20-year-old has already made eight appearances for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby having won the Sir John Graham Memorial Medal…
Interview
Adam Julian
20 Jun 2023, 19:40
The next-gen players who will set the World Rugby U20 Championship alight
Who are the hottest talents competing at this month's great carnival of age-grade rugby in South Africa?
LONG READ
Alex Shaw
20 Jun 2023, 15:14
Where are they now? – New Zealand 2017 Junior World Championship
Hard to believe that it is now six years since New Zealand were last crowned Junior World Championship champions.
Analysis
Liam Heagney
17 Jun 2023, 16:58
U20 Championship: The six players tackling the Six Nations
Teams from outside the Six Nations countries have seven victories against five. In 2023, who will help the Southern Hemisphere re…
Adam Julian
11 Jun 2023, 22:48
Alex Shaw's top 25 all-time U20 rugby players
Our writer Alex Shaw gives us his all-time top 25 U20 rugby players, including the likes of Maro Itoje, Malcolm Marx and Charles P…
Alex Shaw
23 Mar 2020, 10:25
World Rugby set to scrap U20s Championship due to be hosted by Italy
This year’s age-grade championship was due to take place in the northern part of Italy from June 28 to July 18, but it has falle…
Online Editors
19 Mar 2020, 8:42
England U20s: 2019 Player-by-player review
The England U20s finished third in the U20 Six Nations and fifth in the World Rugby U20 Championship, but how did each individual …
Alex Shaw
24 Jun 2019, 9:13
Alex Shaw's team of the tournament from the 2019 Under-20 World Championship
France and Australia feature heavily in the RugbyPass World Rugby Under-20 Championship XV, the two finalists impressing throughou…
Alex Shaw
23 Jun 2019, 4:41
Australia-France final set to delight on Saturday as Under-20 Championship draws to a close
Australia are bidding to win their first World Rugby Under-20 Championship on Saturday, but they will have their work cut out to g…
Alex Shaw
19 Jun 2019, 11:33
Premiership club swoop for London Irish hot prospect and England Under 20 star Basham
After a testing season that culminated in the club being relegated from the Aviva Premiership, London Irish have been dealt a furt…
Alex Shaw
12 Jun 2018, 15:15
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