Lack of U20 World Championship 'disappointing' - Ireland defence coach Willie Faloon

Willie Faloon says it's "disappointing" that there will be no World Rugby U20 championship this year, but is hopeful Ireland can arrange an international programme during the summer window.

World Rugby confirmed this afternoon that both the U20 World Championship and second-tier U20 World Trophy would return in 2023 rather than this summer, after Covid-19 saw the previous two tournaments cancelled.

With no world championship available, World Rugby say they are working with unions to create more suitable regional competitions this summer, with the likelihood that Ireland will be competing in a tournament alongside their usual Six Nations rivals, as well as Georgia and Portugal.

"It's disappointing, it just puts a bit more onus on the Six Nations now for us to kick on," said Ireland U20 defence coach Faloon.

"That would be great," he added, when asked about arranging games this summer.

"The boys develop so much in these camps and to get a bit more exposure on a world stage would be brilliant."

Ireland host Italy at Musgrave Park this Sunday, looking to take another step towards a Grand Slam following their nailbiting win against France last time out.

However, with Italy having defeated Ireland in a pre-Christmas warm-up fixture in UCD, as well as earning a famous win against England in Round 2, Faloon is sure there is no reason for Ireland to show any complacency this Friday night at Musgrave Park.

"Even just the manner of how they beat England, they're looking to play some rugby," the former Ulster and Connacht flanker added.

"They’re strong at the set piece, they’re strong across the board, there is absolutely no complacency. We have to be better than we have been so far.

"There's that little bit of external pressure (on Italy),