IRB chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said: "The IRB is delighted that the IRB Junior World Championship 2009 will be played in Asia and awarding it to Japan is a very exciting development in the evolution of the competition. The Championship is hugely important to the IRB in terms of providing a platform for the next generation of international Rugby stars to showcase their skills on the international stage and develop into truly elite athletes. Japan has all the facilities and infrastructure to ensure that the Tournament will be organised to a very high standard which is vital for its success”.
The Championship amalgamates the former Under 19 and Under 21 Championships into one annual Age Grade Tournament, which will bring together the world's best Under 20 teams. While the competition schedule and match venues are still to be confirmed, over 700 players, coaches and support staff from 16 participating countries are expected at the event.
The IRB Junior World Championship will make its debut in Wales in June this year.
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