Six Nations Rugby today announced that it will hold an FIR-hosted U20 Summer Series, hosted in Italy and split across venues Verona and Treviso.

Ahead of the return of the Rugby World Under-20 Championship in 2023, Six Nations Rugby has confirmed its commitment to supporting the path of rugby for the next generation of rugby talent, by hosting the event this summer.

Supported by World Rugby and involving each of the Six Nations Rugby Unions, South Africa and Georgia, the U20 Summer Series will consist of two pools, three rounds and end with pool matches.

Ireland are drawn in Pool A alongside England, South Africa, France and Ireland, with matches at the Payanini Center in Verona.

Pool B will consist of Scotland, Wales, Georgia and Italy, with all matches played at the Stadio Di Monigo, Treviso.

Every Under 20 Summer Series game will be streamed via the Six Nations Rugby U20 YouTube channel, meaning fans around the world will have the opportunity to watch some of rugby’s best teams and brightest stars on the pitch. French, Italian and Georgian commentary options will also be available when these teams play.

Commenting on the ad, Julie PatersonDirector of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby said:

“Six Nations Rugby is committed to providing the best possible rugby pathway for unions, nations, players and coaches to develop, and the opportunity to host an U20 Summer Series is an exciting opportunity to support this commitment.

“The absence of a Rugby World Under-20 Championship this year means South Africa and Georgia will also feature in the series, giving teams additional opportunities to test themselves against new opponents. .

“Italy as the host nation of the series demonstrates the Federation’s vision to develop rugby at all levels in the country, which is paying off internationally and domestically.

“It has been a huge collaborative effort to deliver a summer series for teams and unions and a huge thank you to clubs and leagues for their support in giving players the opportunity to represent their country this summer.”

Commenting on the ad, Bill BeaumontWorld Rugby Chairman said: “The U20 tournaments have proven to be a successful route for young talent from our unions to grow, gain international experience and prepare for the rugby test.

“Ahead of the return of the World Rugby U20 Championship and Trophy next year, we are delighted to support our Unions and Six Nations Rugby in hosting the Under-20 Summer Series, a fantastic opportunity for promising rugby players in compete at the highest level.”

President of the FIR, Marzio Innocenti added: “Italy is a great place to host elite sporting events and everyone at FIR is delighted to be hosting the Six Nations U20 Summer Series.

“Alongside Six Nations Rugby, we have chosen the Veneto Region, one of the cradles of Italian rugby, to offer supporters sixteen matches, showcasing the best of international youth rugby, across Europe and beyond.

“Future international stars will have a unique stage in Treviso and Verona and raise their hands ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

“For all the Italians who love the Game, and there are many of them, the Summer Series is an opportunity not to be missed.

For travel enthusiasts, it’s a great opportunity to combine rugby and tourism; visit some of the most emblematic places that our country has to offer, from the Arena to Piazza San Marco, passing through Piazza dei Signori. I would like to thank Verona Rugby and Benetton Rugby for enthusiastically welcoming our offer to host the Six Nations U20 Summer Series, an event which will place Italy, for two weeks, at the heart of the rugby world.

U20 Six Nations Summer Series:

Group A: France, IrelandEngland, South Africa
Pool B: Scotland, Wales, Georgia, Italy

Fixtures

• France against IrelandFriday June 24, 8 p.m., Center Payanini
• Ireland v South Africa, June 29, 8 p.m., Payanini Center
• Ireland against England, July 7, 8 p.m., Center Payanini.