Luke Whitelock holds aloft the 2011 Junior World Championships trophy © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Oregan Hoskins | Bernard Lapasset

Teams: Argentina | Australia | England | France | Ireland | Italy | New Zealand | Scotland | South Africa | Wales

The International Rugby Board has confirmed that Cape Town and Stellenbosch will host the 2012 Junior World Championships between June 4 and 22.

In a move from recent Championships, the 2012 event will feature just two venues with triple-headers being played across five match days to maximise crowds and create a festival format within a rugby-mad area of South Africa. Two venues with strong Rugby heritage have been selected with the University of Western Cape Stadium in Cape Town sharing the matches with the Danie Craven Stadium, which will host the Final on June 22.

England face a tough ask to get out of their group after being paired with hosts South Africa, Italy and Ireland. New Zealand - who have never lost a match in the JWC - will play Fiji, Wales and Samoa. Australia will face France, Argentina and Scotland.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "The IRB Junior World Championship has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the global Rugby calendar, delivering a competitive development pathway for our Unions as well as a fantastic competitive product which has proven a hit with fans and broadcasters.

"So far, 111 players have made the step up from the Tournament to win full Test caps, including 49 players who made their mark at Rugby World Cup 2011. We look forward to another memorable tournament in 2012 and the opportunity to embrace the rich Rugby heritage of the region with the dynamic and free-flowing Rugby provided by the next generation of international Test stars."

IRB Tournament Director Philippe Bourdarias, speaking in South Africa for the announcement, said: "The IRB Junior World Championship is strategically important both for the IRB and participating Unions as it provides a competitive international arena to test and develop some of the best up and coming players and referees in the world.

"South Africa has a proven record in hosting wonderful Rugby events and I am sure the teams and players will enjoy a unique experience here next year."

SARU President Oregan Hoskins said: "We are delighted to host the IRB Junior World Championship 2012 in our rugby-mad country and we look forward to welcoming the teams here in June."

IRB Junior World Championship 2012 Pools:
Pool A: New Zealand (2011 champions), Fiji, Wales and Samoa
Pool B: England, South Africa, Ireland and Italy
Pool C: Australia, France, Argentina and Scotland