Uruguay celebrate winning the 2008 IRB Junior World Trophy © IRB

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News: Date set for IRB Junior World Trophy

Teams: Cayman Islands | Chile | Kenya | Korea | Namibia | Papua New Guinea | Romania | United States of America

Sites: Other countries

External Links: IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 Schedule

The International Rugby Board has announced the match schedule for the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009, which takes place in Nairobi, Kenya from April 21 to May 3.

The key international tournament, featuring teams at Under 20 level from eight Unions, will comprise two pools of four teams with matches played across two venues in the city.

The USA, relegated from this year's IRB Junior World Championship in Wales, top Pool A and are joined by hosts Kenya and regional qualifiers Namibia (CAR) and the Cayman Islands (NAWIRA). It is the first time that the Cayman Islands, winners of the NAWIRA regional qualification tournament in Barbados, have qualified for an IRB 15-a-side tournament.

Chile, who were runners-up at the inaugural IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy on home soil in April 2008, top Pool B where they are joined by Romania (FIRA-AER), Korea (ARFU) and Papua New Guinea (FORU).

The action kicks off on April 21 with four mouthwatering matches. Oceania champions Papua New Guinea take on Romania at 12:00 local time in the first of a double-header of fixtures at the Impala ground, before Cayman Islands face the USA at 14:00.

At the nearby Rugby Football Union of East Africa Ground, Chile kick off their Pool B campaign against Korea at 14:00, while hosts Kenya will entertain Africa rivals Namibia at 16:00.

Two further rounds of pool matches will be played to determine the rankings for the final and positional play-offs on May 3.

"The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 in Kenya looks set to be a wonderful tournament. In addition to delivering a blend of superb playing and training facilities, the Kenya Rugby Football Union are committed to the activation of a dedicated legacy programme that will not only be of benefit to the Rugby Community in Kenya, but across the whole of Africa," explained IRB Tournaments Manager Philippe Bourdarias.

"The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy is now firmly established as a key player and coach development tool. The IRB looks forward to welcoming the teams and travelling fans to Nairobi in April for what promises to be an exciting tournament."