What Is 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy

Overview

The 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy was the second-tier global competition for men's under-20 national rugby union teams, designed to provide competitive opportunities for emerging rugby nations. Organized by World Rugby, it ran concurrently with the top-tier Under 20 Championship and offered a pathway for promotion based on performance.

This edition marked the return of the tournament after a one-year hiatus, having last been held in 2017. With the goal of expanding the sport’s global footprint, the event emphasized development, player exposure, and competitive parity among associate and tier-two rugby nations.

• Portugal emerged as champions, defeating hosts Japan 43–31 in a high-scoring final held on July 3, 2019, at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
• The tournament featured eight teams divided into two pools of four, with matches played over six match days between June 24 and July 3.
• Japan hosted the event in Tokyo, marking their first time as tournament hosts since the Under 20 Trophy format was introduced in 2008.
• Portugal earned promotion to the 2020 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, replacing the relegated USA team from the previous year’s top tier.
• Kenya finished third after defeating Hong Kong 33–20 in the third-place playoff, showcasing strong performances from African rugby talent.

How It Works

The World Rugby Under 20 Trophy operates as a promotion-relegation system linked to the elite Under 20 Championship, ensuring competitive balance and incentivizing national development programs.

• Format: The tournament uses a two-pool round-robin stage followed by placement matches. The top two teams from each pool advance to semifinals, with winners contesting the final.
• Eligibility: Teams must be under-20 national sides not qualified for the top-tier Championship; eligibility is determined by World Rugby’s annual rankings and relegation rules.
• Promotion: The winner of the Trophy is promoted to the following year’s Under 20 Championship, replacing the lowest-ranked team from the previous year’s Championship.
• Match Duration: Games consist of two 40-minute halves, following standard World Rugby laws, with referees appointed by World Rugby’s elite panel.
• Player Caps: All players must be under 20 years of age on January 1 of the tournament year, ensuring age-appropriate competition standards.
• Hosting Rotation: Host nations are selected through a bidding process; Japan secured hosting rights for 2019, enhancing Asia’s presence in global rugby events.

Comparison at a Glance

The Under 20 Trophy differs significantly from the top-tier Under 20 Championship in structure, competitiveness, and global reach—here’s how they compare:

This comparison highlights the Trophy’s role as a developmental platform. While the Championship features traditional rugby powers like New Zealand and France, the Trophy gives emerging nations like Kenya and Hong Kong a stage to compete and grow. The structure ensures that performance directly influences future opportunities, reinforcing meritocracy in international rugby.

Why It Matters

The 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy played a crucial role in expanding the sport’s global reach and identifying future international stars. By offering a clear promotion path, it motivates national unions to invest in youth development and high-performance programs.

• Portugal’s victory marked their first title in the competition, signaling the growth of rugby in non-traditional markets across Western Europe.
• The tournament provided exposure for 180+ young players, many of whom later joined professional clubs or senior national squads.
• Japan’s hosting demonstrated the country’s rising status in global rugby, building on momentum from the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
• Competitive balance was evident, with five different nations scoring 30+ points in at least one match, reflecting improved parity.
• The event strengthened World Rugby’s global development goals, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa where infrastructure is expanding.
• Media coverage and live streaming increased visibility, with over 1.2 million cumulative views on World Rugby’s digital platforms.

Ultimately, the 2019 Under 20 Trophy was more than a tournament—it was a catalyst for long-term growth, showcasing how structured competition can elevate emerging rugby nations and inspire the next generation of players.