The future of world rugby is heading back to the Eastern Cape, and it’s bringing serious firepower.
The Rugby Championship U20 will return to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at the end of April, as South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina’s brightest young stars collide once again.
For the second straight year, Gqeberha will host the southern hemisphere’s next generation – with the tournament kicking off on Freedom Day, 27 April, before continuing on 3 and 9 May.
The competition forms a crucial part of preparations for the Junior World Championship in Georgia later this year, and if last season is anything to go by, fans are in for a spectacle.
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The Junior Boks and New Zealand went on to contest the World Rugby U20 final after last year’s tournament, with Riley Norton’s side ultimately lifting the global crown for South Africa.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the tournament’s return is a major boost for the region.
“Last year’s event was a massive success, and we are thrilled that this tournament will be returning to Gqeberha,” said Oberholzer.
“The Eastern Cape has a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base, and like last year we expect good crowds to come to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to see the four teams in action across three double-header match days.
“The combination of top-notch facilities at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and superb accommodation and training options, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the people of the Eastern Cape will make this another memorable experience for everyone involved.”
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris echoed those sentiments.
“Following the success of the tournament in Gqeberha last year, SANZAAR is pleased to announce that the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship will again head to South Africa this year.
“Last year New Zealand retained the title with an exhilarating 48-45 win over the hosts South Africa.
“The third edition of this important Championship will again be played at the wonderful Nelson Mandela May Stadium in Gqeberha as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa go head-to-head over three rounds.
“As in previous years the tournament will provide a vital pathway for up-and-coming rugby talent through exposure to essential international competition and provide development opportunities for the next generation of coaches, team management and match officials. SANZAAR sincerely thanks SA Rugby for its support of the Championship.”
Fixtures:
Monday, 27 April
New Zealand v Australia, 2pm
Junior Boks v Argentina, 4:10pm
Sunday, 3 May
New Zealand v Argentina, 2pm
Junior Boks v Australia, 4:10pm
Saturday, 9 May
Argentina v Australia, 2pm
Junior Boks v New Zealand, 4:10pm
Photo: Sabrina Conforti/World Rugby
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