England will face 2002 finalists Australia in the first game of the IRB U21 World Cup tournament, it was announced today.

Seeded 6^th in this year’s tournament, England go on to play 9^th seeds Japan and France, seeded one place below them.

The tournament kicks off on 13^th June and is being played in the Oxfordshire region, with both the semi finals (25^th June) and the final (29^th June) taking place at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford.  Pool games will be split equally between three venues; Iffley Road (Oxford University), Dry Leas (Henley Hawks RFC) and Monks Lane (Newbury RFC). 

Of the 12 participating nations, last year’s winners South Africa are top seeds, with Australia and New Zealand making up the top three.  Also above England are Grand Slam winners Wales, and France, who England recently beat by a single point in the Six Nations.

England U21s Manager, Peter Drewett, says his team are looking forward to the challenge. “Although the World Cup schedule will prove challenging for all countries, I’m sure it will also deliver some excellent rugby.

“Our pool games against Australia, Japan and France will provide excellent opportunities for players to test themselves against some of the best in the world and opening against Australia will help the team to focus right from the beginning,” said Drewett.

“Hosting this world event gives a great opportunity to promote the game in England and means that rugby fans can watch the very best players, many of who will go on to be among the best in the world.”