Ireland to Host 2007 IRB Under 19 World Championship
The International Rugby Board (IRB) today announced that the Irish Rugby Union will be the Host Union of the 2007 IRB Under 19 World Championship. In turn it has appointed the Ulster Rugby Union and the City of Belfast as the Tournament host which will feature 24 teams and will take place over a three-week period from April 4-21.
“The IRB is delighted that Ireland and the city of Belfast will host the IRB Under 19 World Championship next year. Ireland has a rich rugby heritage and I am sure that the Tournament will generate a great deal of excitement and interest throughout the city and the wider Rugby community,” said International Rugby Board Chairman, Dr Syd Millar.
“Age grade rugby competitions are an integral part of the rugby calendar and are central to the Game’s growth and development. The IRB Under 19 World Championship gives rugby’s rising talent exposure to competitive tournament conditions at an early age and some of the players who will compete in Ireland next year will be among the international stars of the future.”
“We have an obligation to prepare these stars of tomorrow in the best way that we can. Exposure to anti-doping protocols, disciplinary procedures, heightened media attention, high-quality opposition and the tournament camp environment ensures that the IRB Under 19 World Championship plays a key role in preparing players for the full international stage,” said Dr Millar.
Today’s announcement comes shortly after the completion of the 2006 IRB Under 19 World Championship held in Dubai. The Tournament, which was won by Australia following a thrilling final against New Zealand, received record international broadcasting coverage with over 50 nations televising the three weeks of matches.
The Tournament in Dubai not only highlighted the increasing standard of age grade rugby, but also underlined the IRB’s commitment to developing the Game on a global scale through a series of legacy projects.
“The 2006 IRB Under 19 World Championship in Dubai was a great success on and off the field of play, affording us the opportunity, along with our sponsors to leave a real and lasting legacy of rugby through a number of coaching, refereeing and educational initiatives. We hope to leave an equally positive legacy in 2007,” added Dr Millar.
Further Information:
Greg Thomas, IRB Head of Communications;
tel: + 353 86 819 6149
email: greg.thomas@irb.com
Related Items/Links
http://www.irbu19.com/
“The IRB is delighted that Ireland and the city of Belfast will host the IRB Under 19 World Championship next year. Ireland has a rich rugby heritage and I am sure that the Tournament will generate a great deal of excitement and interest throughout the city and the wider Rugby community,” said International Rugby Board Chairman, Dr Syd Millar.
“Age grade rugby competitions are an integral part of the rugby calendar and are central to the Game’s growth and development. The IRB Under 19 World Championship gives rugby’s rising talent exposure to competitive tournament conditions at an early age and some of the players who will compete in Ireland next year will be among the international stars of the future.”
“We have an obligation to prepare these stars of tomorrow in the best way that we can. Exposure to anti-doping protocols, disciplinary procedures, heightened media attention, high-quality opposition and the tournament camp environment ensures that the IRB Under 19 World Championship plays a key role in preparing players for the full international stage,” said Dr Millar.
Today’s announcement comes shortly after the completion of the 2006 IRB Under 19 World Championship held in Dubai. The Tournament, which was won by Australia following a thrilling final against New Zealand, received record international broadcasting coverage with over 50 nations televising the three weeks of matches.
The Tournament in Dubai not only highlighted the increasing standard of age grade rugby, but also underlined the IRB’s commitment to developing the Game on a global scale through a series of legacy projects.
“The 2006 IRB Under 19 World Championship in Dubai was a great success on and off the field of play, affording us the opportunity, along with our sponsors to leave a real and lasting legacy of rugby through a number of coaching, refereeing and educational initiatives. We hope to leave an equally positive legacy in 2007,” added Dr Millar.
Further Information:
Greg Thomas, IRB Head of Communications;
tel: + 353 86 819 6149
email: greg.thomas@irb.com
Related Items/Links
http://www.irbu19.com/