Ireland drawn with New Zealand for U-20s championships

Ireland has been drawn in with defending champions New Zealand for the 2009 IRB Junior (under-20) World Championship to be played out between June 5 and 21 across four Japanese cities, with Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka each hosting a pool.

Allan Clarke's side has also been drawn with their senior nemesis Argentina and another South American proposition in Uruguay.

IRB Tournament Director Philippe Bourdarias said: "The IRB is extremely pleased with the level of dedication and professionalism that the Japan Rugby Football Union has invested in hosting this major international rugby tournament," he said.

"This professionalism is clearly reflected in the choice of venues in four major cities, meaning that each of the 16 teams will have access to world-class playing and training facilities.

"With matches being played in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya, the 2009 IRB Junior World Championship has the ability to engage the rugby community on a wider scale than ever before.

"The Japan Rugby Football Union is committed to growing the game in the country and an extensive dedicated legacy programme will be activated to maximise the impact of the championship."

The full Junior World Championship schedule will be announced shortly.

2009 IRB JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POOLS:

Pool A - New Zealand, Argentina, IRELAND, Uruguay Pool B - England, Samoa, Scotland, Japan Pool C - South Africa, France, Italy, Fiji Pool D - Wales, Australia, Canada, Tonga