England ended France’s quest for a record-equalling fourth consecutive U20 Championship title with a hard-fought 21-13 win in the final match of the tournament. Earlier, Spain relegated Fiji to the World Rugby U20 Trophy.
England’s U20 rugby team clinched their first championship title since 2016 with a triumphant 21-13 victory over France at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Mark Mapletoft’s side demonstrated exceptional skill, particularly in the second half, to break France’s winning streak, which dated back to 2018.
In the third-place play-off, New Zealand overcame a slow start to defeat Ireland 38-24. Host nation South Africa finished the tournament on a high note, securing a seventh-place finish with a confident win over Wales.
Spain’s extra-time victory over Fiji was a highlight, relegating the Islanders to the U20 Trophy in 2025. Meanwhile, Georgia beat Italy 24-13 for ninth place, and Argentina bested Australia to claim fifth.
Final: England 21-13 France England celebrated their first World Rugby U20 Championship title in eight years with a 21-13 win over France.
France, aiming for their fourth consecutive title, faced a strong England side that capitalised on their physical advantage.
England’s dominance was evident despite some early setbacks, including missed penalties and turnovers.
Hugo Reus, France’s top scorer, opened the scoring with a penalty, but England’s Joe Bailey soon responded with a powerful try, giving England a 7-3 lead at halftime.
The second half saw England tighten their grip on the game, especially after France’s Mathis Castro Ferreira received a yellow card.
Sean Kerr extended England’s lead with multiple penalties, and Arthur Green added a crucial try. Although Mathis Ferté scored a late try for France, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
England’s victory ended an eight-year title drought and prevented France from matching New Zealand’s record of four consecutive titles.
Third Place Play-Off: Ireland 24-38 New Zealand New Zealand claimed third place with a strong second-half performance, turning a 12-0 deficit into a 38-24 victory over Ireland.
Captain Vernon Bason led the charge with two tries, while winger Frank Vaenuku added two more.
Despite a solid defensive effort from Ireland, New Zealand’s relentless attack proved too much. Ireland managed to score late tries, but New Zealand’s earlier surge secured their best finish since 2017.
Fifth-Place Play-Off: Australia 6-14 Argentina In a match dominated by forwards and challenging conditions, Argentina secured fifth place with a 14-6 win over Australia.
Timoteo Silva’s try and Santino Di Lucca’s penalties provided the winning margin. Both teams struggled with handling in the rain, but Argentina’s disciplined performance saw them through. Australia’s Harry McLaughlin-Phillips kicked two penalties but missed several crucial opportunities, allowing Argentina to maintain their lead.
Seventh Place Play-Off: Wales 31-47 South Africa South Africa finished seventh with a convincing 47-31 win over Wales.
The Junior Springboks displayed their physical prowess, with captain Zach Porthen scoring two tries.
Despite Wales’ spirited efforts, including late tries from Walker Price and Owen Conquer, South Africa’s power game and strategic play secured their victory.
Ninth-Place Play-Off: Italy 13-24 Georgia Georgia claimed ninth place with a 24-13 win over Italy, repeating their earlier victory in the tournament.
In tough conditions, Georgia’s forwards dominated, with tries from Giorgi Gergedava and Temur Tsulukidze.
Italy managed to control possession but failed to convert it into points. Georgia’s efficient play ensured their triumph, with outside centre Nugzari Kevkhishvili and winger Luka Keshelava adding tries in the second half.
11th-Place Play-Off: Spain 24-19 Fiji Spain overcame a 14-0 deficit to defeat Fiji 24-19 in extra time, securing their spot in the U20 Championship for another year.
Replacement hooker David Gallego scored the decisive try in sudden death. Fiji’s disciplined performance early on was overshadowed by a string of penalties and two yellow cards, which allowed Spain to mount a comeback.
Despite Fiji’s resistance, Spain’s persistence paid off, relegating Fiji to the U20 Trophy next year.