The National Under 20s will today reunite in camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen when the squad meets to start final preparations for the IRB Junior World Championship, being held from Monday 2 June to Friday 20 June in Auckland, New Zealand.
Following the preparation camp, the Australian Under 20s would have enjoyed its most extensive preparation ahead of any major tournament.
As well as an intensive preparation schedule, the squad will play two matches at Chatswood Oval against NSW Country (Saturday, 24 May 5.30pm AEST) and the Australian Barbarians (Tuesday, 27 May 6.30pm AEST).
Head Coach Adrian Thompson is positive that the extended preparation will benefit the young Australian side.
“We have recognised that the talent we have had available in previous years hasn’t translated into success on the field. We therefore looked at ways of improving our preparation. This included four trial matches, two of which were against international opposition.
“It will be great to have the majority of the squad back in camp to continue our preparation. Our previous camp at Bond University on the Gold Coast gave us an excellent platform to build on.
“We still have two practice matches in camp to work on combinations and attack plans and we will be looking to test the depth of our squad.
“For the guys who are still committed to their Super Rugby provinces, they will be gaining valuable experience before we head to Auckland.”
Among the players with their Super Rugby clubs is Australian Under 20s Captain Sean McMahon, who has been one of the form players for the Melbourne Rebels.
“The experience Sean is gaining from being with the Melbourne Rebels squad and learning from Head Coach Tony McGahan is invaluable to us,” Thompson said.
“I am looking forward to seeing his leadership on the field as he wears the Under 20s jersey once again.”
For fans of the next generation of Australian Rugby talent, FOX SPORTS will provide live coverage of all Australian matches plus the semi-finals and final.
Date
Opponent
Time (AEST)
Channel
Monday 2 June
Argentina
1130
Fox Sports 2
Friday 6 June
England
1530
Fox Sports 1
Tuesday 10 June
Italy
1330
Fox Sports 2
The Australian Under 20s camp will run for nine days before the team leaves for to Auckland on Thursday 29 May for the Championship.
