With the countdown clock to the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship reaching 100 days on Wednesday 27th February 2008, the Welsh Rugby Union unveiled a ticket policy for the event which will give everyone the chance to feast on three weeks of high class international rugby. The best 16 internationals sides at Under 20 level will descend on Wales in June with match action taking place in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham.
In the policy revealed today, tickets will be available at £2 for children and £8 for adults for each individual match day, all of which include at least two top class games. Venue and team packages are also available from £8 for children and £30 for adults which include a total of 10 matches each.
People all over Wales will be able to see the future stars of the international game without venturing far from their homes. Wherever people live, they will have access to top class sporting entertainment throughout the month of June.
South Africa and Scotland will be based in Wrexham; New Zealand, Ireland and Argentina will do battle in Cardiff; Australia, England and Fiji will play in Newport, while France and Italy will join host nation Wales in playing in Swansea.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “The future stars of the world game will be literally on the doorstep of the vast majority of Welsh people. Whether you live close to Cardiff, Newport, Swansea or Wrexham, there will be a real feast of international rugby for all to enjoy and savour.
“We were determined for this tournament to be accessible to all and coupled with the top teams playing in all four corners of the principality, this ticketing strategy allows us to make that happen.
“Individuals and families that may not ordinarily be regular rugby watchers can take the opportunity to come along and enjoy an entertaining evening out for all the family.
“In addition to the tickets on sale, hundreds of school children across Wales will have the chance to watch the matches as part of a tournament legacy programme funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.”
Welsh Rugby Union and IRB representatives were counting down 100 days at Rodney Parade yesterday, Newport where England U20 will play as one of the teams based in Gwent for the tournament. Head Coach of England U20 Nigel Redman said:
“I’ve been to many of the IRB age grade tournaments and what is so exciting is that every one of them unearths some real stars of the future. You only have to look at recent tournaments to see the likes of Gavin Henson, Luke McAlister and Danny Cipriani.
“Fans in Wales can literally spend an afternoon or evening at their local rugby ground and whatever game they choose to watch will throw up some future stars of world rugby. In my opinion, it is a real privilege to see some of those stars in action aged 18 and 19 before they step onto the big stage.”
Leader of Newport City Council Bob Bright said: “We are delighted to play a major role in this international event. Developing both sporting facilities, and initiatives to encourage young people to take part in sport, is very important to the council.
"It is also important that people of all ages and from all communities have the opportunity to take part in and attend sporting events. The tickets for all approach will ensure that local people will have the chance of such exciting experiences.
"We have developed a strong relationship with the WRU and hope to continue working with them long in to the future. The redevelopment of Rodney Parade is a prime example of projects that will benefit both sport and the city."
IRB Tournaments Manager Philippe Bourdarias said: “A significant level of excitement and interest has already been generated throughout Wales ahead of the Championship, thanks to the superb work of the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Today’s announcement of a competitively priced ticketing structure underlines the WRU’s commitment to making the Championship available to people in all four regions and will serve to further heighten expectation and excitement.
“With double header matches played across all four venues on each match day, the IRB Junior World Championship offers an excellent opportunity for everyone in Wales and visitors from outside of the principality to see the next generation of Rugby World Cup stars in action as they follow in the footsteps of Ryan Jones, Dan Carter and Matthew Tait.
“Today’s announcement is another key step in the roll-out of what promises to be the best international age grade tournament ever to be staged.”
Matchday 01 - 6th June 2008 Match No. Kickoff Group Match Venue
1. 17.00 A New Zealand v Tonga Cardiff RFC
2. 19.00 A Argentina v Ireland Cardiff RFC
3. 17.00 B South Africa v USA Wrexham AFC
4. 19.00 B Samoa v Scotland Wrexham AFC
5. 17.00 C Australia v Canada Rodney Parade, Newport
6. 19.00 C England v Fiji Rodney Parade, Newport
7. 17.00 D France v Japan Liberty Stadium, Swansea
8. 19.00 D Wales v Italy Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Matchday 02 - 10th June 2008 Match No. Kickoff Group Match Venue
9. 17.00 A Argentina v Tonga Cardiff RFC
10. 19.00 A New Zealand v Ireland Cardiff RFC
11. 17.00 B Samoa v USA Wrexham AFC
12. 19.00 B South Africa v Scotland Wrexham AFC
13. 17.00 C England v Canada Rodney Parade, Newport
14. 19.00 C Australia v Fiji Rodney Parade, Newport
15. 17.00 D France v Italy Liberty Stadium, Swansea
16. 19.00 D Wales v Japan Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Matchday 03 - 14th June 2008 Match No. Kickoff Group Match Venue
17. 15.00 A Ireland v Tonga Cardiff RFC
18. 17.00 A New Zealand v Argentina Cardiff RFC
19. 15.00 B Scotland v USA Wrexham AFC
20. 17.00 B South Africa v Samoa Wrexham AFC
21. 15.00 C Fiji v Canada Rodney Parade, Newport
22. 17.00 C Australia v England Rodney Parade, Newport
23. 15.00 D Japan v Italy Liberty Stadium, Swansea
24. 17.00 D Wales v France Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Matchday 04 - 18th June 2008
Match No. Kickoff Match Venue
25. 17.00 4th Group A v 4th Group D Wrexham AFC
26. 19.00 4th Group B v 4th Group C Wrexham AFC
27. 17.00 3rd Group A v 3rd Group D Cardiff RFC
28. 17.00 3rd Group B v 3rd Group C Rodney Parade, Newport
29. 17.00 2nd Group A v 2nd Group D Liberty Stadium, Swansea
30. 19.00 2nd Group B v 2nd Group C Liberty Stadium, Swansea
31. 19.00 1st Group A v 1st Group D Rodney Parade, Newport
32. 19.00 1st Group C v 1st Group B Cardiff RFC
Final Day – North Wales 21st June 2008
Match No. Kickoff Match Venue
33. 18.00 Winner Match 25 v Winner Match 26 Wrexham AFC
34. 20.00 Loser Match 25 v Loser Match 26 Wrexham AFC
Final Day South Wales 22nd June 2008
Match No. Kickoff Match Venue
35. 13.00 Loser Match 27 v Loser Match 28 Cardiff RFC
36. 15.00 Winner Match 29 v Winner Match 30 Cardiff RFC
37. 13.00 Winner Match 27 v Winner Match 28 Rodney Parade, Newport
38. 15.00 Loser Match 29 v Loser Match 30 Rodney Parade, Newport
39. 17.00 Loser Match 31 v Loser Match 32 Liberty Stadium, Swansea
40. 19.00 Championship Final Winner Match 31 v Winner 32 Liberty Stadium, Swansea
*If Wales fail to make the Top 4 they will play their last match at Liberty Stadium as the third match at 15.00
* Please note that all kick-off times are subject to Broadcast arrangements
