Belfast to stage U-19 World Championship

Belfast has won the right to stage the IRB Under-19 World Championship in 2007.

The tournament, which will feature 24 of the world’s best teams, will take place over a 60-match, three-week period from April 4 to April 21, 2007.

Ulster Chief Executive Michael Reid said: "The IRB Under 19 World Championship is a key tournament in the international rugby calendar and is arguably the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Ulster.

"Our thanks go to the IRB for selecting Ireland as the host union and to the IRFU for putting their trust in Ulster. We are determined to make the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007 the biggest and best ever.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved in rugby and to create a lasting legacy through better facilities, youth development and volunteerism.

“We will have more than 700 players here from all over the world, so it is a great chance to showcase Belfast as a major player on the international sporting scene,” said Mr Reid.