World Rugby has confirmed that Italy will host the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship from June 29 to July 19. Matches will take place in four cities across the Lombardia and Veneto regions.
This marks the third time Italy has hosted the prestigious tournament and the first since 2015 when New Zealand defeated England in the final in Cremona. However, there will be no Asian representation in the tournament, and the World Rugby U20 Trophy will not take place in 2025 due to reported cost-cutting measures.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson highlighted the tournament’s significance, stating, “The World Rugby U20 Championship represents the pinnacle of age-grade rugby, showcasing the next generation of international stars before they reach the highest level.”
Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, over 1,000 players have progressed to test rugby, including 32 Rugby World Cup winners and the last five World Rugby Men’s 15s Players of the Year.
Defending champions England secured the 2024 title by defeating three-time winners France 21-13 in Cape Town. Scotland, having won last year’s U20 Trophy on home soil, will return to the U20 Championship for the first time since 2019. Japan and Hong Kong China did not qualify.
Related topics:
