Wales stars lend support to Welsh youngsters

Warburton’s men are preparing to begin their campaign, which kicks-off against Italy on Friday, 6 June at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

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.

Warburton and his players will be hoping for a similar result as they compete for the inaugural IRB World Championship title at Under 20 level over the next three weeks.

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 20 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 6th-22nd

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.