2021 New Zealand U20s

[Stargazer]

This will probably become a short thread.

First news is that the World Rugby U20 Championship 2021 has been cancelled.

Statement on the World Rugby U20 Championship 2021

04/02/2021 02:55
The World Rugby U20 Championship 2021 will not take place this year due to the ongoing impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was made in consultation with potential hosts and participating unions considering all aspects from financial impact to player welfare implications.

World Rugby is now working with regions and unions to identify regional competition opportunities in a safe environment, reflecting the international federation’s ambition to support meaningful high performance competition pathways for the future stars of rugby.

It's a pity. A whole age group missing out on a great opportunity to play at the world stage for a second year in a row, but it's not unexpected, of course.

I read somewhere today (I can't find at the moment where I read it; will post it later if I can find it), that provincial academy squads will play games in the next few weeks/months and that they will be used to select the U20s squads of the Super Rugby franchises and a NZ U20 team. So - with the WR statement referring to "regional competition opportunities" -, it seems they are looking to organise an Oceania Under 20 Championship (maybe with a few extra PI teams?).

[bobily2]

That's a real shame. Last year they announced a NZ Schools team despite there being no opportunity to play. Hopefully they go one step further and organise some provincial development teams for them to play if an Oceania comp isn't possible.

[Stargazer]

@bobily2 Yeah, a Super Rugby Aotearoa Under 20s comp would be a domestic option. Or - in addition to the Jock Hobbs U19 Tournament - organise an Under 21 equivalent to include the guys that missed out last year as well. Not sure whether NZR's finances allow for that, though. Maybe they'll change the Jock Hobbs U19 into an U20 tournament, this year.

However, I do really hope that the Oceania U20 Championship can go ahead, this year.

[Bovidae]

Based on a story I was reading about the Chiefs U20 trial last Sat (at Ohaupo), it appears that there will be a National SR U20 tournament this April in Taupo.