The World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 is set to kick off this Saturday, June 29th, in South Africa's picturesque Western Cape. Ireland's under-20 squad - who are sponsored by PwC Ireland - enters the tournament again as one of the top contenders, fresh off an impressive performance in this year's Six Nations championship where they won four of their five matches, missing out to England.
Returning to Stellenbosch and Cape Town, the championship will once again serve as a showcase for the world's top 12 U20 nations. Over the course of five match days, culminating on July 19th, these young talented players will battle for rugby supremacy. Ireland has been drawn into Pool B, where they face a challenging lineup of opponents including Italy, Georgia, and Australia.
The significance of the U20 championship in nurturing Irish rugby talent cannot be overstated. A glance at the current senior national team roster underscores its impact, with a majority of players having honed their skills in this prestigious youth tournament. This competition has consistently proven to be a crucial stepping stone for emerging talents, bridging the gap between youth rugby and the professional ranks.
Last year's tournament saw the Irish U20s battling their way to the final. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly missed out on the title, falling to a strong French side in a closely contested match. This experience, while disappointing, has only fuelled the team's determination to go one step further this year.
Willie Faloon Steps Up to the Challenge
With former head coach Richie Murphy moving on to take the reins at Ulster Rugby, the coaching reins have been passed to Willie Faloon. The former Ulster and Connacht flanker is no stranger to the U20 set-up, having served as the team's defence coach since 2022.
Aaron Dundon continues his role as scrum coach, bringing his wealth of experience in one of rugby's most technical areas. Ian Ketley remains as the backs coach, while perhaps the most notable addition to the coaching ticket is Neil Doak, who joins as Senior Coach. Doak's appointment is a coup for the U20 set-up, bringing a wealth of high-level coaching experience to the team.
The challenge for Faloon and his coaching team will be to build on this success while putting their own stamp on the team. With a blend of experienced coaches and fresh perspectives, Ireland's U20s are well-positioned to compete at the highest level in South Africa.
New Laws Set to Shake Up World Rugby U20 Championship 2024
The World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 is set to become a testing ground for six new closed laws, adding an extra layer of intrigue for the players and coaches. These rule changes aim to enhance the flow of the game, increase player safety, and provide new tactical opportunities for teams to explore.
1. Red Card Replacement:
One of the most significant changes allows teams to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes.
2. Shot Clock Introduction
A 30-second shot clock for scrum and lineout setting will be implemented, along with a reduced 60-second limit for conversions (down from 90 seconds).
3. Scrum Half Protection
Enhanced protection for the scrum half at the base of scrums, rucks, and mauls will be enforced. Opposing players cannot engage the scrum half while the ball is still in the immediate vicinity of these set pieces.
4. Expanded Marking Zone
Players will now be able to call a mark inside their own 22-meter line from a restart. This change is expected to promote more attacking options and potentially lead to more creative restart strategies.
5. Maul Play Modification
Teams will only have one opportunity to stop a maul before the ball must be played. This change from the previous two-stop rule aims to reduce the number of stalled mauls and encourage more dynamic play.
6.Lineout Throw-in Adjustment
If a lineout is uncontested and the throw is not straight, play will continue rather than resulting in a scrum. This change is intended to maintain the flow of the game and reduce the number of set-pieces, potentially leading to more open play.
As the tournament progresses, it will be fascinating to see how teams adapt to these new laws. Some may find advantages in certain areas, while others might struggle to adjust. The coaching staff's ability to interpret and exploit these changes could prove crucial in determining the championship's outcome.
More Irish Talent
The team's impressive performance in this year's Six Nations championship, securing four wins and narrowly missing out on the title to England, underscores the quality of players at Faloon's disposal.
The squad boasts a core of seasoned campaigners who have already tasted high-level international competition. Captain Evan O'Connell leads from the front, bringing his leadership skills honed during last year's campaign. Alongside him, second row partner Joe Hopes adds further steel to the pack. The dynamic hooker Danny Sheahan and the explosive back rower Brian Gleeson provide additional firepower up front.
In the backline, the centre pairing of Hugh Gavin and Sam Berman, return with another year of experience under their belts. Their familiarity with the pressures of tournament rugby will be invaluable as Ireland aims for the top prize.
Rising Star: Brian Gleeson (Munster)
Brian Gleeson, the dynamic back rower from Loughmore, County Tipperary, stands out as one of Ireland's most promising rugby talents. Fresh from signing his first senior contract with Munster, Gleeson brings a potent mix of experience and raw talent to the Irish squad.
Gleeson's performance in last year's U20 tournament was nothing short of spectacular. He emerged as a try-scoring machine, crossing the whitewash eight times in just ten appearances for Ireland U20s. His impact on the field was further highlighted by an impressive tally of four player-of-the-match awards, underlining his ability to dominate games at this level.
The Munster star's rapid ascent hasn't gone unnoticed at the provincial level. This season has seen Gleeson make significant strides in senior rugby, featuring in three of Munster's Champions Cup pool matches. He made his European debut coming off the bench against Exeter Chiefs, followed by another substitute appearance in the cauldron of Toulon's Stade Mayol. His most substantial outing came at Thomond Park against Northampton Saints, where he impressed.
Good thinking in Ireland 20's 1st try v Italy. Italy expecting the maul. Some power by Brian Gleeson to take 3 Italian Defenders over the line with him. #ITAvIRE #U6N20 pic.twitter.com/5EcXBRmEG5
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) March 1, 2023
Gleeson's unique blend of power, pace, and rugby intelligence makes him a versatile threat in the back row. His try-scoring prowess from last year's tournament demonstrates his ability to read the game and exploit gaps in opposition defences.
Jack Murphy (Ulster)
Jack Murphy emerges as the latest in a prestigious lineage of fly-halves to don the Ireland U20 jersey, following in the footsteps of such talents as Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast. The former Leinster age grade player, who has just signed for Ulster, brings a blend of tactical acumen and skilful execution to the Irish backline. Murphy's approach to the game goes beyond his years, particularly evident in his sophisticated kicking game which adds a new dimension to Ireland's tactical arsenal.
Despite a relatively slight physical stature, Murphy compensates with a fierce competitive spirit and an exceptional spatial awareness that allows him to control the game from the pivot position. His decision-making under pressure has already drawn praise from coaches and observers alike, marking him as a player who can thrive in the cauldron of international competition.
They’ve done it! ☘️
2️⃣ from 2️⃣ for @IrishRugby in France this weekend 👏 @ClontarfRugby Jack Murphy cool as you like all evening for the U-20s!
31-37 it finished - brilliant 👏
🎥 | @VMSportIE pic.twitter.com/mpzFJQsPXO— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 3, 2024
Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC/Munster)
Ben O’Connor is another standout player. His transition from Cork GAA to Munster’s Academy has been much talked about, and his performances justify the attention. Playing as a full-back, O’Connor has already debuted for the senior Munster team and shows promise for more appearances. Known for his speed, power, and aerial skills, O’Connor's athletic versatility is highlighted by his achievements in both rugby and hurling at the youth level.
Lovely team try from Ireland U20s which is finished off by Ben O’Connor 👌#IrishRugby #SUAF ☘️
pic.twitter.com/I1rM4YTxvp— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) March 8, 2024
Alan Spicer (Leinster)
Alan Spicer stands as a towering presence in the Ireland U20 squad, quite literally. At an imposing 6ft 10in (2.08m), the young Leinster lock brings a unique physical dimension to the Irish forward pack that could prove invaluable in the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Despite being one of the youngest members of the squad at under 19, Spicer has already caught the eye. Spicer's extraordinary height gives Ireland a significant advantage in the lineout. Beyond the set-piece, his size offers the potential for a formidable presence in the loose, both as a ball carrier and in defence. As the tournament progresses, keep a close eye on Spicer's involvement. Each appearance will likely see him grow in confidence and impact. The experience gained during this championship could prove invaluable for his development, potentially fast-tracking his progress towards senior rugby.
2024 WORLD RUGBY UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP POOLS & FIXTURES:
POOL A: France (1), Wales (6), New Zealand (7), Spain (12)
POOL B: Ireland (2), Australia (5), Georgia (8), Italy (11)
POOL C: South Africa (3), England (4), Argentina (9), Fiji (10)
Match Day 1: Saturday, June 29 – Pool B: Ireland v Italy, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, 4.30pm local time/3.30pm Irish time
Match Day 2: Thursday, July 4 – Pool B: Ireland v Georgia, Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, 2pm local time/1pm Irish time
Match Day 3: Tuesday, July 9 – Pool B: Ireland v Australia, Athlone Sports Stadium, Cape Town, 2pm local time/1pm Irish time
Match Day 4: Sunday, July 14 (Semi-finals and play-off matches)
Match Day 5: Friday, July 19 (Final and ranking matches)
