Super U20s Rugby will be back in a big way in 2017 after a successful inaugural 2016 season.
Kicking off on February 25, fans will have the chance to watch the stars of tomorrow in action at club grounds around the country or through the Bar TV live stream at RUGBY.com.au.
Two matches will also be played as curtain raises for Super Rugby matches.
Queensland’s U20s will be looking to go back to back after claiming the title last season against the Melbourne U20s in the final at Ballymore.
Australian U20s head coach Simon Cron will use the competition as a base for his selection of the Australian team which will host the Oceania Rugby U20s tournament at Bond University in April before the World Rugby U20s Championships in Georgia in May and June.
“This tournament gives our players real opportunities to test themselves in head to head clashes under game pressure,” Cron said.
“The U20s program is continuing to expand with the Oceania Rugby U20s tournament which we are yet to win at home and the World Rugby U20s Championship to be held in Georgia.
“I’ve spoken to the teams about the expectations we have for the standards of the BMW Australia U20s squad this year and now we get to watch players put their hands up over the next two months.”
ARU General Manager High Performance Ben Whitaker said the tournament will allow players to pick up invaluable exposure to a professional rugby environment.
“With more game time and access to top coaching courtesy of the investment being made by the Super Rugby programs, this competition will continue to enhance our young elite players for possible Australia U20s selection while ultimately developing their overall potential as players across all important levels of the game,” he said.
“The championship also provides further entertainment for fans wanting to see the next generation of Super Rugby and Wallabies stars.”
It will be the first time that RUGBY.com.au will offer a stream of any competition, which will also be available on state and Super Rugby websites through the season.
Head of Digital Adam Freier is keen to ensure more live content is readily available for fans, especially those unable to travel to the game.
"The Super 20's is great competition, and I know how important it is for fans to have the chance to watch rugby's next generation of stars in action," he said.
"If they can't get to the game, they are now able to ensure they do not miss a minute of the action through our live stream.
"We know that this competition has strong school and community support, so be able to partner with BAR TV gives us an enormous level of confidence that these matches can be brought to life the right way anywhere across the country, and the world trough RUGBY.com.au.
"We're excited about the partnership moving forward, and looking forward to hearing a few familiar voices from some of my former teammates during the BAR TV broadcast."
DRAW
Round 1
Queensland Reds U20s v Melbourne Rebels U20s, Saturday 25 February, 12.00pm, Crosby Park, Brisbane
Gen Blue U20s v Western Force U20s, Saturday 25 February, 5.15pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Brumbies U20s, BYE
Round 2
Western Force U20s v Queensland Reds U20s, Saturday 4 March, 2.00pm Nedlands Rugby Club, Perth
Brumbies U20s v Melbourne Rebels U20s, Sunday 5 March, 3.00pm, Viking Park, Canberra
NSW Gen Blue U20s, BYE
Round 3
NSW Gen Blue U20s v Brumbies U20s, Saturday 18 March, 5.00pm, Vikings Rugby Club, Wollongong
Melbourne Rebels U20s v Western Force U20s, Sunday 12 March, 2.00pm, Gosch’s Paddock, Melbourne
Queensland Reds U20s, BYE
Round 4
Queensland Reds U20s v Gen Blue U20s, Saturday 18 March, 1.50pm, Wests Bulldogs, Brisbane
Brumbies U20s v Western Force U20s, Sunday 19 March, 2.00pm, Portsea Oval, Canberra
Melbourne Rebels U20s, BYE
Round 5
Melbourne Rebels U20s v Gen Blue U20s, Friday 24 March, 4.30pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Brumbies U20s v Queensland Reds U20s, Sunday 26 March, 3.00pm Portsea Oval, Canberra
Western Force U20s, BYE
FINAL
Tournament final will be held on the weekend of April 1/2 between the top two teams.
*All times are local
Super 20's LIVE stream kicks off this Saturday, February 25 in Brisbane with Queensland U20s taking on the Rebels U20s at Brothers Rugby Club from 12pm Local - 1pm AEDT followed the New South Wales U20s and Western Force 20s LIVE from 3pm AEDT.
