Wikipedia

2026 U20 Rugby Championship

The 2026 U20 Rugby Championship, also known as 2026 TRC U20, was the third edition of the rugby union competition, the U20 Rugby Championship, the under-20 equivalent of The Rugby Championship, played by senior men's teams of Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The South African U20 side claimed their first title after playing a draw with the New Zealand U20 side 29-29 on 9 May 2026 in the last pool match. The tournament dates and venue were announced in March 2026, hosted by South Africa, with every match played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (formerly called Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape.[1][2][3]

2026 U20 Rugby Championship
Tournament details
Host South Africa
Date27 April – 9 May 2026
Countries Argentina
 Australia
 New Zealand
 South Africa
Final positions
Champions South Africa (1st title)
Tournament statistics
Matches played6
Tries scored58 (9.67 per match)
Top scorer(s)Yaqeen Ahmed (42)
Most triesJack Benade (4)
← 2025
2027 →

New Zealand were the defending champions.[4] Last year, the New Zealand U20 side defended their title, defeating the hosts South Africa 48–45.[5]

Venue

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The venue was confirmed in March 2026, a month prior to the tournaments scheduled start date.[3]

North End (Gqeberha)
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Capacity: 46,000

Table

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Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts
1  South Africa (H, C) 3 2 1 0 133 67 +66 20 11 3 0 13
2  New Zealand 3 1 1 1 80 83 −3 14 13 2 0 8
3  Argentina 3 1 0 2 76 97 −21 11 16 2 1 7
4  Australia 3 1 0 2 78 120 −42 13 18 2 1 7
Updated to match(es) played on 9 May 2026. Source: All Rugby
(C) Champion; (H) Host

Fixtures

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Fixtures were announced alongside the tournament venue and dates (March 2026).[1][2][3]

Round 1

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27 April
14:00 SAST (UTC+02)
New Zealand  (1 BP)34–29 Australia (2 BP)
Try: Norrie 5' m, 46' m
Stuart 16' c
Wiseman 64' c
Woodley 66' m
Williams 68' m
Con: Muliaina (2/6) 17', 65'		ReportTry: Le Maitre 8' c
Whitfield 21' m
Taka 24' m
Mackay 35' c
Jaques 57' m
Con: Mackay (2/5) 9', 36'
Cards: Watters Red card 54'
Grover Yellow card 62'
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Attendance: 10,000+
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)[6]
FB15Cohen Norriedownward-facing red arrow 54' upward-facing green arrow 60'
RW14Oliver Guerin
OC13David Lewaidownward-facing red arrow 60'
IC12Haki Wiseman
LW11Siale Pahuludownward-facing red arrow 58'
FH10Mika Muliaina
SH9Charlie Sintondownward-facing red arrow 75'
N88Patrick Maugadownward-facing red arrow 58'
BF7Caleb Woodley
OF6Finn McLeod
RL5Jake Frost
LL4Max Faledownward-facing red arrow 50'
TP3Dane Johnstondownward-facing red arrow 50'
HK2Josh Findlay
LP1Henry Stuartdownward-facing red arrow 50'
Replacements:
HK16Luka Patumaka Makata
PR17Ethan Webberupward-facing green arrow 50'
PR18Alexander Hewittupward-facing green arrow 50'
LK19John Falloonupward-facing green arrow 50'
N820Micah Faleupward-facing green arrow 58'
SH21Jackson Hughanupward-facing green arrow 75'
FH22Jay Reihanaupward-facing green arrow 54'
RW23Logan Williamsupward-facing green arrow 58'
Coaches:
New Zealand Jarrad Hoeata
New Zealand Alex Robertson
FB15Louis Fenwicke
RW14Riley Whitfeld
OC13Leo Jaques
IC12Frankie Goldsbroughdownward-facing red arrow 19'
LW11Cooper WattersRed card 54'
FH10Finn Mackay
SH9Angus Groveryellow card 62' to 72'downward-facing red arrow 73'
N88Eli Langi
BF7Marshall Le Maitredownward-facing red arrow 64'
OF6Tom Robinson
RL5Isaac Fonuadownward-facing red arrow 80'
LL4Will Ross
TP3Edwin Langidownward-facing red arrow 80'
HK2Ewald Krugerdownward-facing red arrow 69'
LP1Jacob Jobdownward-facing red arrow 80'
Replacements:
HK16Tyler Mayberyupward-facing green arrow 69'
PR17Harper Strachanupward-facing green arrow 80'
PR18Jonah Rangiwaiupward-facing green arrow 80'
LK19Kenneth Harrisupward-facing green arrow 80'
N820Cooper Eagleupward-facing green arrow 73'
SH21Sam Blankupward-facing green arrow 67'
OC22Jonty Fowler
LW23Taione Takaupward-facing green arrow 19'
Coach:
Australia Chris Whitaker

Assistant referees: [7]
Sean Muller (South Africa)[7]
Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)[7]
Television match official:
Egon Seconds (South Africa)[7]

27 April
16:10 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  (1BP)48–21 Argentina
Try: Adams 5' m, 26' c
Schoeman 9' c
Ahmed 16' c
Benade 19' m, 34' m, 55' m
Reid 51' c
Con: Yaqeen Ahmed (4/8) 10', 17', 26', 52'		ReportTry: Torre 62' c, 80' c
Dande 74' c
Con: Giannantonio (3/3) 63', 75', 80'
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Attendance: 10,398 [8]
Referee: Gonzalo de Achaval (Argentina)[6]
FB15Alzeadon Felix
RW14Jack Benadedownward-facing red arrow 75'
OC13Samuel Badenhorst
IC12Ethan Adamsdownward-facing red arrow 64'
LW11Lindsey Jansen
FH10Yaqeen Ahmed
SH9Hendre Schoemandownward-facing red arrow 61'
N88Kebotile Maakedownward-facing red arrow 57'
BF7Thomas Beling
OF6Luke Cannondownward-facing red arrow 49'
RL5Riley Norton (c)
LL4Heinrich Theron
TP3Danie Krugerdownward-facing red arrow 49'
HK2Liam van Wykdownward-facing red arrow 57'
LP1Rambo Kubhekadownward-facing red arrow 49'
Replacements:
HK16Mahle Sitholeupward-facing green arrow 57'
PR17Olliver Reidupward-facing green arrow 49'
PR18Kai Prattupward-facing green arrow 49'
LK19JD Hattinghupward-facing green arrow 49'
N820Risima Khosaupward-facing green arrow 57'
SH21Jayden Britsupward-facing green arrow 61'
FH22Vusi Moyoupward-facing green arrow 64'
RW23Kuthadzo Rasivhagaupward-facing green arrow 75'
Coach:
South Africa Kevin Foote
FB15Luciano Avaca
RW14Constantino Keller
OC13Ramon Fernandezdownward-facing red arrow 68'
IC12Pedro Coll
LW11Mateo Tanonidownward-facing red arrow 49'
FH10Manuel Giannantonio
SH9Ignacio Zabelladownward-facing red arrow 54'
N88Basilio Canasdownward-facing red arrow 54'
BF7Joaquin Pascual Viale
OF6Tomas Dande (c)
RL5Agustin Ponzio
LL4Jeremy Annanddownward-facing red arrow 49'
TP3Bautista Salinas Mealladownward-facing red arrow 68'
HK2Nicolas Cambiassodownward-facing red arrow 57'
LP1Benjamin Farias Cerionidownward-facing red arrow 57'
Replacements:
HK16Manuel Cuneo Camargoupward-facing green arrow 57'
PR17Fabrizio Cebronupward-facing green arrow 57'
PR18Federico Narvaezupward-facing green arrow 68'
LK19Jeronimo Sorondoupward-facing green arrow 49'
N820Federico Torreupward-facing green arrow 54'
SH21Juan Preumayrupward-facing green arrow 54'
OC22Benjamin Ordizupward-facing green arrow 68'
LW23Simon Pfisterupward-facing green arrow 49'
Coach:
Argentina José Pellicena

Assistant referees: [7]
Sean Muller (South Africa)[7]
Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)[7]
Television match official:
Egon Seconds (South Africa)[7]

Round 2

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3 May
14:00 SAST (UTC+02)
New Zealand 17–25 Argentina
Try: Wiseman 33' c
van der Westhuizen 40' m
McLeod 74' m
Con: Norrie (1/3) 34'
Cards: Frost Yellow card 35'
Webber Yellow card 36'		ReportTry: Serpa 16' m
Penalty Try 37'
Avaca 56' m
Miranda 71' m
Con: Serpa (0/3)
Pen: Serpa (1/1) 25'
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Attendance: 10,000+
Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)[9]
FB15Cohen Norrie
RW14Jay Reihana
OC13Ollie Guerindownward-facing red arrow 65'
IC12Jack Wiseman
LW11JD van der Westhuizendownward-facing red arrow 59'
FH10Mika Muliaina
SH9Charlie Sintondownward-facing red arrow 40'
N88Finn McLeod
BF7Kobe Brownlee
OF6Logan Plattdownward-facing red arrow 53'
RL5Jake Frostyellow card 35' to 45'
LL4Max Faledownward-facing red arrow 49'
TP3Alex Hewittdownward-facing red arrow 49'
HK2Josh Findlaydownward-facing red arrow 58'
LP1Ethan Webberyellow card 36' to 46'downward-facing red arrow 65'
Replacements:
HK16Luka Patumaka Makataupward-facing green arrow 58'
PR17Charlie Wallisupward-facing green arrow 65'
PR18Dane Johnstonupward-facing green arrow 49'
LK19John Falloonupward-facing green arrow 49'
N820Micah Faleupward-facing green arrow 53'
SH21Boston Kroneupward-facing green arrow 40'
FH22Angus Revellupward-facing green arrow 65'
RW23Logan Williamsupward-facing green arrow 59'
Coaches:
New Zealand Jarrad Hoeata
New Zealand Alex Robertson
FB15Simon Pfister
RW14Bautista Quiroga Miguensdownward-facing red arrow 41'
OC13Pedro Coll
IC12Benjamin Ordiz
LW11Luciano Avaca
FH10Federico Serpadownward-facing red arrow 65'
SH9Juan Preumayr
N88Federico Torre
BF7Jeronimo Sorondodownward-facing red arrow 46'
OF6Franco Marizzadownward-facing red arrow 29' upward-facing green arrow 34'
RL5Bautista Benavidesdownward-facing red arrow 65'
LL4Joaquin Pascual Viale
TP3Bautista Salinas Mealla
HK2Manuel Cuneodownward-facing red arrow 54'
LP1Fabrizio Cebrondownward-facing red arrow 51'
Replacements:
HK16Nicolas Cambiassoupward-facing green arrow 54'
PR17Benjamin Farias Cerioniupward-facing green arrow 51'
PR18German Tello Fredes
LK19Augustin Ponzioupward-facing green arrow 65'
N820Basilio Canasupward-facing green arrow 29' downward-facing red arrow 34'
SH21Benjamin Ledesma Arocenaupward-facing green arrow 65'
OC22Ramon Fernandez Mirandaupward-facing green arrow 69'
LW23Manuel Giannantonioupward-facing green arrow 41'
Coach:
Argentina José Pellicena

Assistant referees:
Christopher Allison (South Africa)[9]
Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)[9]
Television match official:
Ben Crouse (South Africa)[9]

3 May
16:10 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  (1 BP)56–17 Australia
Try: Benade 14' c
Vyambwera 20' c
Penalty Try 26', 34'
Adams 52' c
Schoeman 58' c
Cannon 67' c
Ahmed 74' c
Con: Ahmed (4/4) 15', 21', 53', 59'
Moyo (2/2) 68', 75'		ReportTry: Mackay 32' c
Whitfield 36' m
Taka 64' m
Con: Mackay (1/3) 32'
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Attendance: 10,000+
Referee: Gonzalo de Achaval (Argentina)[9]
FB15Akahluwa Boqwanadownward-facing red arrow 71'
RW14Jack Benade
OC13Samuel Badenhorst
IC12Ethan Adamsdownward-facing red arrow 65'
LW11Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
FH10Yaqeen Ahmed
SH9Hendre Schoemandownward-facing red arrow 65'
N88Kebotile Maakedownward-facing red arrow 57'
BF7Wasi Vyambwera
OF6Luke Cannon
RL5Riley Norton (c)
LL4Heinrich Therondownward-facing red arrow 61'
TP3Danie Krugerdownward-facing red arrow 50'
HK2Liam van Wykdownward-facing red arrow 70'
LP1Rambo Kubhekadownward-facing red arrow 51'
Replacements:
HK16Mahle Sitholeupward-facing green arrow 70'
PR17Olliver Reidupward-facing green arrow 51'
PR18Luan van der Bergupward-facing green arrow 50'
LK19JD Hattinghupward-facing green arrow 61'
N820Gert Kempupward-facing green arrow 57'
SH21Jayden Britsupward-facing green arrow 65'
FH22Vusi Moyoupward-facing green arrow 65'
RW23Jade Mullerupward-facing green arrow 71'
Coach:
South Africa Kevin Foote
FB15Louis Fenwickedownward-facing red arrow 66'
RW14Riley Whitfeld
OC13Leo Jaquesyellow card 16' to 26'
IC12Zach Fittlerdownward-facing red arrow 60'
LW11Tai Takayellow card 34' to 44'
FH10Finn Mackaydownward-facing red arrow 41'
SH9Angus Grover
N88Eli Langidownward-facing red arrow 67'
BF7Tom Robinson (c)
OF6Luca Cleverleydownward-facing red arrow 59'
RL5Isaac Fonuayellow card 26' to 36'downward-facing red arrow 57'
LL4Will Ross
TP3Edwin Langidownward-facing red arrow 57'
HK2Ewald Krugerdownward-facing red arrow 66'
LP1Jacob Jobdownward-facing red arrow 57'
Replacements:
HK16Tyler Mayberyupward-facing green arrow 66'
PR17Nicholas Hillupward-facing green arrow 57'
PR18Jonah Rangiwaiupward-facing green arrow 57'
LK19Kenneth Harrisupward-facing green arrow 57'
N820Toby Brialupward-facing green arrow 59'
SH21Marshall Le Maitrekupward-facing green arrow 67'
OC22Jonty Fowlerupward-facing green arrow 41'
LW23Chayse Gerosupward-facing green arrow 60'
Coach:
Australia Chris Whitaker

Assistant referees:
Christopher Allison (South Africa)[9]
Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)[9]
Television match official:
Ben Crouse (South Africa)[9]

Round 3

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9 May
14:00 SAST (UTC+02)
Argentina 30–32 Australia
Try: Cuneo 29' c
Arocena 66' c
Cebron 71' m, 78' m
Con: Serpa (2/3) 30', 67'
Giannantonio (0/1)
Pen: Serpa (2/2) 37', 77'
Cards: Benavides Yellow card 32'		Try: Langi 4' c, 48' c
Jaques 33' m
Robinson 39' m
Kruger 43' m
Con: Fowler (2/5) 5', 49'
Pen: Fowler (1/1) 75'
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Referee: Christopher Allison (South Africa)[10]
FB15Simon Pfister
RW14Benjamin Ledesma Arocena
OC13Pedro Coll
IC12Benjamin Ordiz
LW11Luciano Avaca
FH10Federico Serpadownward-facing red arrow 77'
SH9Juan Preumayrdownward-facing red arrow 61'
N88Federico Torredownward-facing red arrow 62'
BF7Jeronimo Sorondodownward-facing red arrow 53'
OF6Tomas Dandedownward-facing red arrow 53'
RL5Bautista Benavidesyellow card 32' to 42'
LL4Joaquin Pascual Viale
TP3Bautista Salinas Mealladownward-facing red arrow 67'
HK2Manuel Cuneodownward-facing red arrow 45'
LP1Benjamin Farias Cerionidownward-facing red arrow 44'
Replacements:
HK16Nicolas Cambiassoupward-facing green arrow 45'
PR17Fabrizio Cebronupward-facing green arrow 44'
PR18Federico Narvaezupward-facing green arrow 67'
LK19Toribio Latorreupward-facing green arrow 53'
N820Franco Marizzaupward-facing green arrow 53'
SH21Ignacio Zabellaupward-facing green arrow 61'
OC22Ramon Fernandez Mirandaupward-facing green arrow 62'
LW23Manuel Giannantonioupward-facing green arrow 77'
Coach:
Argentina José Pellicena
FB15Louis Fenwickedownward-facing red arrow 66'
RW14Riley Whitfeld
OC13Leo Jaques
IC12Zach Fittlerdownward-facing red arrow 60'
LW11Tai Taka
FH10Finn Mackaydownward-facing red arrow 41'
SH9Angus Grover
N88Eli Langidownward-facing red arrow 67'
BF7Tom Robinson (c)
OF6Luca Cleverleydownward-facing red arrow 59'
RL5Isaac Fonuadownward-facing red arrow 57'
LL4Will Ross
TP3Edwin Langidownward-facing red arrow 57'
HK2Ewald Krugerdownward-facing red arrow 66'
LP1Jacob Jobdownward-facing red arrow 57'
Replacements:
HK16Tyler Mayberyupward-facing green arrow 66'
PR17Nicholas Hillupward-facing green arrow 57'
PR18Jonah Rangiwaiupward-facing green arrow 57'
LK19Kenneth Harrisupward-facing green arrow 57'
N820Toby Brialupward-facing green arrow 59'
SH21Marshall Le Maitrekupward-facing green arrow 67'
OC22Jonty Fowlerupward-facing green arrow 41'
LW23Chayse Gerosupward-facing green arrow 60'
Coach:
Australia Chris Whitaker

Assistant referees:
Sean Muller (South Africa)
Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)
Television match official:
Marius Jonker (South Africa)

9 May
16:10 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa 29–29 New Zealand
Try: Boqwana 10' m, 36' c
Maake 29' c
Badenhorst 42' c
Con: Ahmed (3/4) 30', 37', 43'
Pen: Ahmed (1/1) 5'
Cards: Benade Yellow card 77'		Try: Johnston 7' m
Guerin 15' m
Woodley 21' m
McLeod 48' c
Penalty Try 77'
Con: Muliaina (1/4) 49'
Cards: Pahulu Red card 67'
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Attendance: 18,138
Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)[11]
FB15Akahluwa Boqwanadownward-facing red arrow 76'
RW14Jack BenadeYellow card 77'
OC13Samuel Badenhorst
IC12Ethan Adamsdownward-facing red arrow 34'
LW11Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
FH10Yaqeen Ahmed
SH9Hendre Schoemandownward-facing red arrow 72'
N88Kebotile Maakedownward-facing red arrow 50'
BF7Wasi Vyambwera
OF6Luke Cannon
RL5Riley Norton (c)
LL4Heinrich Therondownward-facing red arrow 63'
TP3Danie Krugerdownward-facing red arrow 50'
HK2Liam van Wykdownward-facing red arrow 68'
LP1Rambo Kubhekadownward-facing red arrow 50'
Replacements:
HK16Mahle Sitholeupward-facing green arrow 68'
PR17Olliver Reidupward-facing green arrow 50'
PR18Luan van der Bergupward-facing green arrow 50'
LK19JD Hattinghupward-facing green arrow 63'
N820Risima Khosaupward-facing green arrow 50'
SH21Jayden Britsupward-facing green arrow 72'
FH22Vusi Moyoupward-facing green arrow 34'
RW23Jade Mullerupward-facing green arrow 76'
Coach:
South Africa Kevin Foote
FB15Cohen Norriedownward-facing red arrow 19'
RW14Oliver Guerin
OC13Siale PahuluRed card 67'
IC12Haki Wiseman
LW11Logan Wiliams
FH10Mika Muliaina
SH9Charlie Sintondownward-facing red arrow 68'
N88Patrick Maugadownward-facing red arrow 58'
BF7Caleb Woodleydownward-facing red arrow 71'
OF6Finn McLeod
RL5Jake Frost
LL4Max Faledownward-facing red arrow 58'
TP3Dane Johnstondownward-facing red arrow 51'
HK2Josh Findlaydownward-facing red arrow 68'
LP1Henry Stuartdownward-facing red arrow 51'
Replacements:
HK16Jericho Wharehingaupward-facing green arrow 68'
PR17Ethan Webberupward-facing green arrow 51'
PR18Alexander Hewittupward-facing green arrow 51'
LK19John Falloonupward-facing green arrow 58'
N820Micah Faleupward-facing green arrow 58'
SH21Jackson Hughanupward-facing green arrow 68'
FH22David Lewaiupward-facing green arrow 19'
RW23Kobe Brownleeupward-facing green arrow 71'
Coaches:
New Zealand Jarrad Hoeata
New Zealand Alex Robertson

Assistant referees:
Sean Muller (South Africa)
Lulutho Matomela (South Africa)
Television match official:
Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Statistics

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The following players are the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship leaders:

*Stats correct as on May 11, 2026 (Round 3)

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 "Rugby Championship U20 returns to South Africa as fixtures confirmed". Rugbypass. 19 March 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Rugby Championship U20 heads back to Gqeberha confirmed". SA Rugby. 18 March 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Junior Rugby Championship heading back to SA shores". News 24. 18 March 2026.
  4. ↑ "NZ break Junior Bok hearts to defend U20 title". SA Rugby. 11 May 2025.
  5. ↑ "NZ break Junior Bok hearts to defend U20 title". springboks.rugby. South African Rugby Union. 11 May 2025. Archived from the original on 12 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
  6. 1 2 "Match official appointments to 27 April 2026 | SA Rugby". springboks.rugby. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Match official appointments to 27 April 2026". www.springboks.rugby. Rugby World Cup. 23 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
  8. ↑ "Junior Boks thrash Argentina to go top". www.rugby365.com. Rugby 365. 27 April 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Match official appointments to 6 May 2026 | SA Rugby". springboks.rugby. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  10. ↑ "Match official appointments to 10 May 2026". springboks.rugby. Retrieved 2026-05-06.
  11. ↑ "Match official appointments to 10 May 2026". springboks.rugby. Retrieved 2026-05-06.
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