IRB ANNOUNCE AGE GRADE RESTRUCTURE:

I can't see how having less development team positions can possibly be a good thing for the sport, surely we should be expanding youth opportunities rather than consolidating?
This puts a huge emphasis on this years Unde 21 Championship and, if they aren't going to make France, I would prefer to see Pocock, Beale, Cooper and Turner released to help load our Under 21 Squad.

IRB ANNOUNCE AGE GRADE RESTRUCTURE:

The IRB age grade tournaments will take on a whole new look in 2008.

From next year, an annual 16-team Junior World Championship and an eight team Junior World Trophy will be run at under 20 level, replacing the IRB's existing under 19 and under 21 World Championships.

The Junior World Championship will bring together the 16 best under 20 teams in world rugby, while the Junior World Trophy will provide a competitive competition and development pathway for more tier two and three unions. There will be promotion and relegation between the two competitions and developing unions will also have the opportunity of hosting the tournaments, allowing them to gain experience in hosting major rugby events.

dont agree. the old way was better. whats gonna happen to a kid that starts to peak when his 17 to starts to peak at 21? doesnt get a pathway to international rugby except through his national side.