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Later this year will see the third edition of both the Junior World Cup (JWC) and Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT). The JWC being held in Argentina is the one that, as Australian Rugby supporters, has more relevance to us.
The first two editions have seen 16 teams compete.
However, this year’s JWC will only have 12 to maintain the highest levels of competition possible. The teams ranked 13-16 have been relegated back down into the JWRT, where they will compete for promotion with the lesser likes of the rugby world.
While we are hardly in danger of relegation as a Top 3 ranked nation at the senior international level, we greatly underachieve at this level. This is the direct result of the lack of competition for young rugby players outside of Schoolboys and Colts Rugby at club level.
Put simply, our ‘next generation’ Wallabies are not tested near enough against equally talented opposition. This is a situation that must be rectified to ensure we produce world class Wallabies well into the future.
While a senior National Competition is a long way off, if ever, at least outside any possible expansion of the Australian conference via Super Rugby, an U20’s competition could be the very solution needed to keep Australian rugby competitive at both Super and International level.
Considering the supposed increase in income that will be derived from the upcoming TV Deal, the ARU, alongside its stakeholder’s in the form of the State Union bodies, investigate the viability of either an Australian U20’s Championship or a Trans-Tasman version, both based along the Super Rugby system.
Both competitions would provide increased standard of play, regularly testing the best juniors in the country (and possibly New Zealand), as well as implementing a vital and long overdue development pathway.
If a Trans-Tasman Competition was attempted, both the Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby teams could run U20’s squads to play in curtain raiser prior to home matches while taking games to regional centres while the senior squad are on tour in either New Zealand, Australia or South Africa.
With 10 teams, the possibility of a 2 round championship could be a real chance.
If both the ARU and States choose to go it alone, alongside the 5 established State-based teams, the establishment of 3 new ‘Academies’ would be necessary to add increased depth and competition.
Western Sydney, Gold Coast and Adelaide could compete in a 14 game season, running concurrently, with Super Rugby again playing curtain raisers prior to their senior squads or in regional centres.
There is an issue of cost, but consider that this Championship would be less about money and more about development, opportunity and education. By using budget carriers and flying teams in the night before and flying them out directly after the game, it would keep the overall costs to a minimum.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.