Auckland host to world youth rugby cup

Press, 18 June 1986, Page 32

Auckland host to world youth rugby cup

PA Auckland Auckland will host the inaugural world youth rugby tournament at Avondale racecourse in September. The tournament, intended to attract club sides from all over the world, is open only to players under the age of 21 at January 1, and the Auckland-based organising committee hopes to see at least 30 sides play off for the trophy. The secretary of the committee, Mr Dave Crawford, hopes the tournament will grow in popularity, as has the Golden Oldies tournament.

The tournament is designed for club sides, but clubs are permitted to form composite sides with other clubs if they cannot field a combination of

their own. So far the organisers have entries from New Zealand, Australia, at least one team from the United States, and Argentinian sides. It is hoped teams from the Pacific Islands, Japan and possibly Europe will also Play. Mr Crawford said a world team would be chosen from the players on view at the tournament, and would take on opponents yet to be named (but possibly an Auckland youth side) as a curtainraiser to the North Auckland Ranfurly Shield challenge at Eden Park on October 4. The tournament will be played at Avondale racecourse, but the final, although negotiations are not yet complete, could be held under lights at Waitemata Park.