Under-20 Competitions including Oceania & World U20s

[WorkingClassRugger]

It'd be great to see Spain given more opportunity, but if we're serious about Fiji/Japan coming into the Rugby Championship long term then I think they need to be prioritized at the under 20s level above others, at least in a comp wearing that name.

Is there anything official to suggest that is likely? The RC doesn't necessarily need to be cobtrained to set geograpghy like the 6Ns.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

I know they are groups like the 6N and Sanzaar but does WR (World Rugby) (World Rugby) have the gumption to see that investing in this sort of thing could pay dividends in the long run and we're talking 15-20 years down the road for the wider Rugby landscape?

A lot of these people won't be around to see it in their current capacity so I worry they don't care at times but it can be a huge leap if sides like Spain can get to where Italy is and if Italy can climb ever so slowly. Can countries like Germany then get to where Spain is now and so on.

Going from RE U18s/20s results the Nerherlands, Belgium, Portugal are you next best bets.

 

[Wilson]

Is there anything official to suggest that is likely? The RC doesn't necessarily need to be cobtrained to set geograpghy like the 6Ns.

Fiji and Japan as the invited nations for the Nations Championship, is the main part. That's a pretty significant barrier for anyone else coming in over the top of those 2 at this point.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Fiji and Japan as the invited nations for the Nations Championship, is the main part. That's a pretty significant barrier for anyone else coming in over the top of those 2 at this point.

And included in the PNC (Pacific Nations Cup). So any ascension to the RC seems unlikely in the near future.

 

[House is on Fire]

From what I've seen I prefer Martens / Fowler in the halves over Sharples / Dillon. I didn't see the local age grade games, this is only going off the matches against SA, NZ and Arg.

 

[Major Tom]

I know this is self evident, but interesting none the less...30 players picked in the squad. 9 of those are front rowers (6 props and 3 hookers). So effectively 33% of the squad are front rowers.

Should be a good enticement for any high level 14-16 yr old players who have the required possible body shape and are thinking about a potential move to the front row.

No reason why a hard running, tight playing 14-16 year old no 8 shouldn't be considering a move to the front row. They can keep doing their ball running, just need to also pack down in a few scrums.

France liked this post

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

From what I've seen I prefer Martens / Fowler in the halves over Sharples / Dillon. I didn't see the local age grade games, this is only going off the matches against SA, NZ and Arg.

Seems like I'm being difficult but Martens/Dillon would be the most dangerous pairing in my mind. Sharples is neat but he's a dummy half type 9 who I don't know if it will translate long term in the pro game. Has a good kicking game on him but still it's a very old school NH type player.

Dillon is the creator 10 of the lot. If the pack is going forward I want him in my side. Fowler the prototype 10 that comes through every year. Good player don't me wrong but I just think you need a bit of x factor. Aus has never had the same resources as other traditional nations so we have excelled at leaning into the risk/creator types.

 

[Rudderless]

Strong Junior Bok squad named for World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has included five players who will feature in their second World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with lock Riley Norton retained as captain for the tournament which will be staged from 29 June to 19 July.

www.springboks.rugby