New Zealand's U20 set for for Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship Debut

· Lynn McConnell · action press
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New Zealand's Under-20 side will play their first game in the inaugural Sanzaar Under-20 Rugby Championship (TRC) against South Africa next month.

The new tournament will be played on the Sunshine Coast and will also involve Australia and Argentina.

New Zealand and South Africa will meet on Thursday, May 2, Argentina on Tuesday, May 7 and Australia on Sunday, May 12.

The winner of the tournament will be the top team after the completion of the round-robin format.

The tournament is a prelude to the annual world championship being played in South Africa in July.

Sanzaar chief executive Brendan Morris said, "The TRC U-20 Championship is an exciting investment and development strategy that will allow for a more defined pathway for younger players into senior and international rugby and provide a springboard into the annual World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

"This exposure to international matches against top quality opposition can only benefit the players in terms of experience and adapting to the demands of top level rugby.

"The tournament will also provide extra development opportunities for coaches, team management and match officials."

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