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Rugby Championship U20 returns to South Africa as fixtures confirmed
By Finn Morton
SANZAAR has confirmed the third edition of The Rugby Championship U20 will see the event return to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, set to be held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha from April 27 to May 9.
Following the success of last year’s TRC U20 at the same venue, the next generation of rugby stars from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina will kick off their 2026 tournament on Freedom Day in late April.
Matches will also be played across the next two weekends on Sunday May 3, and Saturday May 9, as these four sides continue to prepare for the annual World Rugby U20 Championship. Georgia is set to host the World Rugby competition in June and July.
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New Zealand won the inaugural TRC U20 at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Australia a couple of years ago. Dylan Pledger, Stanley Solomon, Rico Simpson and three others returned in 2025 to help the team successfully defend that title.
New Zealand will face Australia in the tournament opener, while hosts South Africa take on Argentina. The Junior Boks play Australia in round two before bringing their campaign to an end against the New Zealanders in the tournament finale.
Tickets for the 2026 TRC U20 will cost R35 per day, with two matches taking place.
“Following the success of the tournament in Gqeberha last year, SANZAAR is pleased to announce that the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship will again head to South Africa this year,” SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said.
“Last year New Zealand retained the title with an exhilarating win over the hosts South Africa 48-45.
“The third edition of this important Championship will again be played at the wonderful Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa go head-to-head over three rounds.
“As in previous years the tournament will provide a vital pathway for up-and-coming rugby talent through exposure to essential international competition and provide development opportunities for the next generation of coaches, team management and match officials. SANZAAR sincerely thanks SA Rugby for its support of the Championship.”
New Zealand’s Pledger and Solomon both signed Super Rugby Pacific deals with the Highlanders after making their mark with the U20s. Pledger has served as vice-captain of the U20s side, while Solomon was one of the top try-scorers at both previous editions of TRC U20.
Toby MacPherson captained Australia at their home TRC U20 in 2024, with the forward going on to debut for the ACT Brumbies this year. MacPherson starred for the Brums in the fifth round of Super Rugby Pacific, crossing for a double against the Fijian Drua in Ba.
Australia’s Sid Harvey is another graduate of the U20s side. The 2024/25 HSBC SVNS Series ace nailed a clutch sideline conversion to seal a 29-all draw with New Zealand U20s last May, and the outside back has since debuted for the NSW Waratahs.
The 2025 TRC U20 delivered three rounds of entertaining rugby, which included a 40-36 win for Australia over Argentina. That same day, thousands of fans witnessed a 93-point thriller between New Zealand and South Africa.
“Last year’s event was a massive success, and we are thrilled that this tournament will be returning to Gqeberha,” SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer explained.
“The Eastern Cape has a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base, and like last year we expect good crowds to come to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to see the four teams in action across three double-header match days.
“The combination of top-notch facilities at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and superb accommodation and training options, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the people of the Eastern Cape will make this another memorable experience for everyone involved.”
The Rugby Championship U20 match schedule 2026
Round 1 – Monday 27 April
New Zealand v Australia at 14:00
South Africa Argentina at 16:10
Round 2 – Sunday 3 May
New Zealand v Argentina at 14:00
Australia v South Africa at 16:10
Round 3 – Saturday 9 May
Argentina v Australia at 14:00
South Africa v New Zealand at 16:10
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