Sunshine Coast Stadium to host inaugural SANZAAR U20s Rugby Championship

Governing body SANZAAR has announced that Sunshine Coast Stadium will host the inaugural Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament in May 2024.

Bringing together the up-and-coming stars of Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa rugby the tournament, which commences on 2nd May, will feature a series of doubleheader fixtures.

SANZAAR Chief Executive, Brendan Morris said in a statement “the TRC U20 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 U20 Championship that is currently missing.

“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."

The Championship will comprise a round-robin format where all teams will play each other once.

Morris went on to state “the teams will assemble on The Sunshine Coast for three match rounds in May and for rugby fans we are pleased to announce that entry into the tournament at Sunshine Coast Stadium will be free of charge.

"SANZAAR is very much looking forward to what will be a highly competitive tournament and on behalf of SANZAAR I would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council for its assistance in supporting this wonderful new tournament.”

“We look forward to seeing The Rugby Championship U20 tournament playing out at Sunshine Coast Stadium this year and showcasing the region as an ideal training destination to such high-profile Rugby nations," Sunshine Coast Major Events Board Chair John Williams added.

"The event will be a great spectacle for Australian and international rugby fans, but it’s also a great time to discover the Sunshine Coast and make a holiday of it in one of the world's most loved destinations."

Round One - Thursday 2nd May
New Zealand v South Africa, 5pm
Australia v Argentina, 7pm

Round Two - Tuesday 7th May
New Zealand v Argentina, 5pm
Australia v South Africa, 7pm

Round Three - Sunday 12th May
South Africa v Argentina, 1pm
Australia v New Zealand, 3pm

SANZAAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina Rugby) is the body which oversees Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship competitions in rugby union.

Image: International Under-20s rugby at the Sunshine Coast Stadium. Credit: Sunshine Coast Council.