Condensed Under-20s Six Nations to be played entirely in Cardiff

THE 2021 UNDER-20S SIX NATIONS will be played in a condensed format, with all 15 matches being staged at Cardiff Arms Park inside a three-and-a-half week window between 19th June and 13th July.

“The decision to hold the Championship in one venue was taken to reduce the risk around travel, to ensure greater rest periods and structured training and therefore meet many of the performance opportunities lost in recent times,” said a statement issued by the tournament organisers.

Matchday squads will consist of 26 players due to the condensed format of the competition and all five matchdays will feature three matches played consecutively.

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Every match will be broadcast in Six Nations territories either on terrestrial TV, broadcaster streaming platforms or via Six Nations digital channels.

Scotland will kick off the Championship when they take on last year’s Triple Crown winners Ireland on 19th June, followed by England v France and Wales v Italy on the same day.

“We are delighted to be in a position to play the Under-20s Championship this year, having had to cancel it in 2020 due to the pandemic,” said Six Nations CEO, Ben Morel.

“The Under-20s Six Nations Championship is an important milestone in the life of many young players who will pursue a career in professional rugby and we would like to thank the unions for their hard work in making this Championship possible and our broadcasters for bringing it to the homes of rugby lovers. We are looking forward to some exciting rugby.”

Full 2021 Under-20s Six Nations fixture schedule:

Saturday 19th June –

• 2pm: Scotland v Ireland
• 5pm: England v France
• 8pm: Italy v Wales

Friday 25th June –

• 2pm: England v Scotland
• 5pm: Italy v France
• 7pm: Wales v Ireland

Thursday 1st July –

• 2pm: Scotland v Italy
• 5pm: France v Wales
• 7pm: Ireland v England

Wednesday 7th July –

• 2pm: Italy v Ireland
• 5pm: France v Scotland
• 7pm: Wales v England

Tuesday 13th July –

• 2pm: England v Italy
• 4.45pm: Ireland v France
• 8pm: Scotland v Wales

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