Wales stars remind us that the future of rugby is coming to Rodney Parade
Wales Grand Slam captain Ryan Jones today gave his support to Wales Under 20 squad as they prepare for their Junior World Championship campaign which kicks-off on Friday, 6 June across Wales.
Jones played in the inaugural IRB Under 21 World Championship in South Africa in 2002, where the hosts, coached by Jake White, lifted the title.
England, Australia, Fiji and Canada will be hosted at Rodney Parade, while Wales U20 side will play out of Liberty Stadium.
Only two years ago, James Hook, Alun Wyn Jones and Jamie Roberts were amongst those competing for Wales in the Under 21 Six Nations, while only a year ago current Wales squad member Tom James starred for Wales Under 20. And as Wales made final preparations for the summer tour to South Africa, they were quick to recognise that the likes of Warburton, Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies and Gareth Owen will soon be snapping at their heels for places in the Wales squad.
Jones, whose team mates in the 2002 Under 21 tournament included Mike Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Nicky Robinson and Adam Jones said:
"We may be playing the world champions South Africa, but the eyes of the world will be on Wales Under 20s this summer as they host the Junior World Championship in their own back yard.
"The senior Wales players will all be supporting Sam and his team over the next few weeks. We will be following their progress from South Africa during the Pool stages and be back in time for the final two match days, which will hopefully see Wales competing in the last four of the competition. Wales did really well to reach the last four of last year's Under 19 World Championship and I know they are aiming for at least a top four place again.
"There is a huge amount of talent in this Wales Under 20 squad and the senior Welsh players know only too well that in a year or two a number of these players will be pushing us for our Wales jerseys. That can only be a good thing and I'm sure a number of players will hold their hands up for regional recognition over the next few weeks."
Jones also believes Wales must capitalise on their home status in this inaugural event.
"Wales are extremely lucky to host this tournament. I remember South Africa had a huge local following in 2002 which no doubt gave them an extra boost in reaching the final and beating Australia to lift the trophy. It's a privilege for Welsh rugby fans to come and see all the future stars of the game in action this summer."
IRB Junior World Championship Wales 2008 - June 6 - 22
Pool A - Cardiff Arms Park
New Zealand
Argentina
Ireland
Tonga
Pool B - The Racecourse, Wrexham
South Africa
USA
Samoa
Scotland
Pool C - Rodney Parade
Australia
England
Canada
Fiji
Pool D - The Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Wales
France
Italy
Japan
For full tournament schedule, visit www.wru.co.uk/jwcschedule
Tickets for the tournament are available for matchdays at £2 for children and £8 for adults. Venue packages which give access to 10 games each are available at £10 for children and £30 for adults, while team packages are on sale at £12 for children and £35 for adults.
Tickets for the tournament are now on sale via Ticketmaster, tel 08705 582582, via www.ticketweb.co.uk and at the four match venues
