Pools and match schedule set for IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010

With just over 100 days to go until the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 kicks off, the International Rugby Board has announced the Pools and Match Schedule for the key age grade tournament at a launch in Moscow today.

The first IRB fifteen-a-side tournament to be hosted in Russia, the widely anticipated event features two Pools with the 16 matches spread across two venues in the Russian capital. The final will be played at Slava Stadium in Moscow on May 30.

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Four teams that participated at the IRB Junior World Championship 2009 in Japan feature with Italy and Uruguay drawn in Pool A along with reigning Trophy champions Romania and Papua New Guinea, while Canada and Japan join hosts Russia and Zimbabwe in Pool B.

Pool A: Italy, Uruguay, Romania and Papua New Guinea
Pool B: Canada, Japan, Russia and Zimbabwe

“The announcement of the Pools and Match Schedule is a significant milestone in the countdown to what promises to be a very exciting IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy. Expectation is building within the Russian Rugby community, planning and preparation is on track and I am sure that the tournament will deliver a lasting Rugby legacy within Russia,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Japan Under 20's 2009

Rugby Union of Russia President Vyacheslav Kopiev said: “The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy provides huge opportunities for Rugby in Russia, not only to showcase high quality international matches to the Russian public but also to help us attract the next generation of players and supporters to the Game.”

“It also gives our Under 20 team the chance to test themselves on a global stage, against strong opposition, which is essential for their development as players. Moscow is a magnificent city and a great sports capital, and we have worked hard to ensure that we create a festival of Rugby for all involved.”

IRB Tournaments Manager Philippe Bourdarias, in Moscow for the launch, said: “This weekend will see the 100 days to go landmark reached and the tournament is shaping up to be the most competitive IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy to date."

in action against Scotland at the 2009 Junior World Cup

"The Rugby Union of Russia has done a fantastic job in delivering excellent playing and training facilities, heightening awareness and implementing a dedicated legacy programme that will provide a strategic catalyst for the growth and development of Rugby at all levels across Russia.”

Holders Romania and hosts Russia are joined by the six teams who claim a place through qualifying structures in each of the six IRB regions.

The winner of the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2010 will be promoted to the IRB Junior World Championship 2011.

Text courtesy: International Rugby Board

Images courtesy: Japan Rugby Football Union