New Zealand U20 perform a haka before their match against Japan at the recent World Championship in South Africa. Photo: www.photosport.nz
An under-20 version of the men's Rugby Championship will kick-off next year.
SANZAAR says the competition will allow for a more defined pathway for younger players into senior and international rugby and be a springboard into the annual World Rugby U20 Championship.
The annual Championship will be played in one country and will comprise a round-robin format where all teams will play each other once across a three-week period.
The top team after the three-round, six match tournament will be declared the winner.
The inaugural tournament will take place in on the Gold Coast in Australia's in April.
The under-20 World Rugby trophy is played for annually. Photo: World Rugby/Leo Galletto
"It has long been recognised that the missing link in our junior pathways was the existence of a SANZAAR international championship for up-and-coming talent," said SANZAAR chair Hamish McLennan.
"Exposure to additional international matches can only benefit the players in terms of experience and adapting to the demands of the top level of rugby."
SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said the competition "a vital step in the progression of young talent...it will provide extra development opportunities each year for players, coaches, team management and match officials, and will allow for better preparation into the World Rugby Championship."
-RNZ