The World Rugby U20 Championships are set to make a triumphant return to Cape Town for the second consecutive year. Twelve nations will compete in this prestigious tournament over five match days at three top-tier venues.
The 14th edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship will take place between 29 June and 19 July. For the second year in a row, South Africa has been selected as the host, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for international sports.
Athlone Stadium will host the pool matches, while the renowned DHL Stadium will see key games, including the opening match, semi-finals, and final. Additionally, selected matches will be played at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
“What better time to host the World Rugby U20 Championship than during the school holidays? The event’s return to Cape Town for the second year in a row underscores the city’s reputation as a premier events destination. We are thrilled to support this event, which showcases some of the world’s top young rugby talent. I urge all Capetonians to come out and support our Junior Boks and extend a warm welcome to the visiting teams with our signature spirit,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
The Junior Boks enter the tournament after securing a bronze medal at last year’s championships. This year, they will compete in Pool C alongside England, Argentina, and Fiji. Pool A includes France, Wales, New Zealand, and Spain, while Pool B features Australia, Georgia, and Italy.
Each match day during the pool stages will feature six games with kick-off times at 14:00, 16:30, and 19:00. The defending champions, France, will open the tournament against newcomers, Spain, and the host nation will begin their campaign against Fiji at the DHL Stadium on June 29, 2024.
According to the City of Cape Town, SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer, is confident that the tournament will be as thrilling as last year’s edition.
“The World Rugby U20 Championship is crucial in promoting and growing the game globally, and we are excited to discover the next generation of Springboks.”
Tickets for the tournament are available through Ticketmaster, starting at R35 for children under 18 and R75 for adults. Each ticket grants access to three matches per day at a single venue.
Residents and motorists should be aware of the following traffic restrictions on match days:
- Athlone Stadium: Road closures from 12:00 to 20:00. Hickory Road will temporarily become one-way from Klipfontein Road to Springbok Road.
- DHL Stadium: Road closures from 13:00 to 20:00. Full closure in both directions of Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Vlei Road.
