Aussie U20s to open world champs against Wales

Australia's U20s will kick off their 2018 World Championship campaign against Wales, World Rugby announced overnight.

The Aussies will face New Zealand, Wales and Japan in their pool for the tournament, kicking off against Wales on Thursday May 31 (AEDT) in Beziers in the south of France.

Their second match will be against Japan in Narbonne four days later, before closing off their round robins against New Zealand, in what could be a pool-deciding match up.

Only the winners of each pool and the top second-placed side make it through to the knockouts, something Australia hasn't been able to do since 2011, when they finished third.

The tournament final will be held in Beziers on Monday June 17 (AEDT).

SCHEDULE

U20s World Championships

Australia vs Wales - Thursday May 31, 5am AEST

Australia vs Japan - Sunday June 3, 10pm AEST

Australia vs New Zealand - Friday June 8, 5am AEST