Ireland U20's to face England, South Africa and France in summer tournament

Ireland U20s will play England, France and South Africa this summer as part of the one-off Summer Series, organised by the Six Nations.

With the annual U20 world championship still yet to return following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Six Nations Summer Series and the Oceania Rugby U20 Championship will provide regional alternatives.

South Africa and Georgia will link up with the Six Nations regulars to form the Summer Series, whcih will be hosted by the Italian federation in Treviso and Verona.

Grand Slam champions Ireland will be in a highly competitive Pool A alongside England, France and South Africa, with a final play-off match between the respective first, second, third and fourth place teams in each pool.

Richie Murphy's side will be based at the Payanini Centre in Verona for their three pool matches, begining on Friday 24 June against their Six Nations runners-up France, before taking on South Africa five days later.

Their final pool game is set for 7pm Irish time on Tuesday 5 July, while they will complete their tournament the following Tuesday against their Pool B equal.

U20 Summer Series - Ireland fixtures (all kickoffs Irish time)

France v Ireland, Payanini Centre, Verona, Friday, 24 June, 7pm

Ireland v South Africa, Payanini Centre, Verona, Wednesday, 29 June, 7pm

Ireland v England, Payanini Centre, Verona, Tuesday, 5 July, 7pm

Play-Offs (Cross-Pool Matches), Stadio di Monigo, Treviso, Tuesday, 12 July

Match 1 (4th Pool A vs 4th Pool B) – 11.30am

Match 2 (3rd Pool A vs 3rd Pool B) – 2pm

Match 3 (2nd Pool A vs 2nd Pool B) – 4.30pm

Match 4 (1st Pool A vs 1st Pool B) – 7pm