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The second tier of World Rugby’s u20 competitions – the Trophy – kicks off on Tuesday with eight teams touching down in São José dos Campos, Brazil. It’s a chance for young players of smaller nations to go head-to-head and also puts them in the shop window for pro scouts with all matches broadcast on World Rugby’s social media platforms.
This year’s tournament looks wide open though Japan enter as favorites having been relegated from the Championship last year. 2018 runners-up Samoa failed to qualify in Oceania leaving Portugal as the highest-ranked returning side, though Canada and Uruguay both have designs to challenge for the title.
Three rounds of pool play will determine the rankings for a single round of knock-outs. Even a single slip-up can cost a team their spot in the final. With only three days rest between games, it will be up to the coaches to manage their squads and use rotation and replacements wisely.
FIXTURES
| DATE | PT | ET | LOCAL | POOL | TEAM 1 | TEAM 2 |
| Tues, Jul 9 | 08:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | B | Tonga | Canada |
| 10:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | A | Japan | Brazil | |
| 13:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | A | Kenya | Uruguay | |
| 15:00 | 18:00 | 19:00 | B | Portugal | Hong Kong |
| Sat, Jul 13 | 08:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | B | Tonga | Hong Kong |
| 10:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | A | Japan | Uruguay | |
| 13:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | B | Portugal | Canada | |
| 15:00 | 18:00 | 19:00 | A | Kenya | Brazil |
| Wed, Jul 17 | 08:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | B | Hong Kong | Canada |
| 10:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | B | Tonga | Portugal | |
| 13:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | A | Japan | Kenya | |
| 15:00 | 18:00 | 19:00 | A | Uruguay | Brazil |
| Sun, Jul 21 | 08:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | – | 4th Pool A | 4th Pool B |
| 10:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | – | 3rd Pool A | 3rd Pool B | |
| 13:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | – | 2nd Pool A | 2nd Pool B | |
| 15:00 | 18:00 | 19:00 | – | 1st Pool A | 1st Pool B |
POOL A
BRAZIL
First time participants Brazil will be hoping their fortunes are brighter than that of the South American Championship where they were soundly beaten. Anything above finishing 8th should be considered a success but it’s hoped that exposure to the tournament will yield greater results in the future.
They are coached by New Zealand native Jake Mangin and captained by promising No8 Adrio de Melo, at only 18 years old the second-youngest in the squad. Filippo Bugno is a rare Brazilian second row of genuine international height who is of interest to the senior Tupis selectors, while the Quirino twins – Gabriel and Vicent – of São José are certain to feature in the backline.
Qualified: Hosts
Previous Appearances: 0
Previous Best: n/a
Head Coach: Jake Mangin
Captain: Adrio de Melo
Returning Players: n/a
Eligible to Return: 7
Forwards: Leonardo Da Silva (São José), Marcos de Melo (Farrapos), Naassom Porto (São José), Henrique Ribeiro (Pasteur), Henrique Da Silva (Pasteur), Felipe Quevedo (Charrua), Samoel Bertan (São José), Filippo Bugno (Pasteur), João Furst (Jacareí), Gabriel Oliveira (Jacareí), Weslley Barbosa (Jacareí),Adrio de Melo (Pasteur), Matheus de Oliveira (Desterro), Guilherme Dias (Bandeirantes), Rafael Dos Santos (São José), Guylherme Rangel (Guanabara)
Backs: Felipe Cunha (Pasteur), Carlos Moura (Jacareí), Lucas Spago (Pasteur), Joel Santos (Pasteur), Gabriel Quirino (São José), Vicent Quirino (São José), Murillo Bonesso (Farrapos), Alisson Kalkmann (Joaca), Gerónimo Olivares (Lomas, AR), Carlos Proença (Jacareí)
JAPAN
Having dropped down from the Championship, Japan will enter the competition as one of the favorites. They are two-time winners of the Trophy and well experienced at this level of competition. Traditional features of their play are high tempo attack and strong team cohesion, and as ever they use technique to overcome a lack of size in the set piece.
Despite having several eligible from last season there are only four returnees. Captain Shota Fukui is one of two flankers who should be prominent, the other Halatoa Vailea. Moeki Fukushi is a powerhouse on the wing while fullback Ryosuke Kawase comes from good rugby stock – his father played for Japan at the 1987 World Cup.
Qualified: Relegated from Championship
Previous Appearances: 6
Previous Best: Winners (2014, 2017)
Head Coach: Yoshitake Mizuma
Captain: Shota Fukui
Returning Players: 4
Eligible to Return: 8
Forwards: Yota Kamimori (Kindai), Sho Maeda (Tokai), Gun Tajima (Kamaishi Seawaves), Syohei Tsujimura (Kindai), Takeo Yoshikawa (Ryutsu Keizai), Mamoru Harada (Keio), Daiki Nishiyawa (Ryutsu Keizai), Tertaka Oka (Kanto Gakuin), Ryusei Koike (Tokai), Kouki Matsumoto (Meiji), Shu Yamamoto (Kindai), Shota Fukui (Panasonic Wild Knights), Hayato Fukunishi (Kyoto Sangyo), Takamasa Maruo (Waseda), Akito Okui (Osaka Toin HS), Halatoa Vailea (Nippon), Ohgi Yanamoto (Doshisha)
Backs: Kaisei Tamura (Doshisha), Ryota Tomoike (Senshu), Takumi Aoki (Daito Bunka), Ryuto Fukuyama (Kindai), Taihei Kusaka (Kobelco Steelers), Tomoki Osada (Waseda), Yuichirou Wada (Doshisha), Moeki Fukushi (Kanto Gakuin), Keita Inayoshi (Doshisha), Futo Yamaguchi (Doshisha), Ryosuke Kawase (Waseda)
KENYA
Something of an unknown at this level, the ‘Chipu’ return to the Trophy for the first time in a decade. Their side is largely build around young local players but is boosted by a handful attending private schools in the UK, with tighthead prop Rotuk Rahedi joining from Hillcrest School near Durban, South Africa.
Paul Odera doubles his role as senior Simbas coach and picked four u20s in his test side that faced Uganda just two weeks ago. Tall second row Emanuel Silungi, flyhalf Dominic Coulson, midfielder John Okoth, and winger Geoffrey Okwach debuted, with fullback Jeff Mutuku an unused sub on the bench.
Qualified: Africa
Previous Appearances: 1
Previous Best: 4th place (2009)
Head Coach: Paul Odera
Captain: Bonface Ochieng
Returning Players: n/a
Eligible to Return: 16
Forwards: Ian Masheti (Impala), Ian Njenga (Nondescripts), Collins Obure (Blakblad), Rotuk Rahedi (Millfield, UK), Andrew Siminyu (Hillcrest, SA), Bonface Ochieg (Kenya Harlequins), Wilfred Waswa (Northern Suburbs), Frank Aduda (Impala), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Emanuel Silungi (Homeboyz), Brian Amaitsa (Nondescripts), Sheldon Kahi (Blakblad), George Kyriazi (Merchiston Castle, UK), James McGreevy (Kenya Harlequins), Samuel Were (Laiser Hill)
Backs: Samuel Asati (KCB), Barry Robinson (Kabras), Michele Brighetti (Sedbergh, UK), Dominic Coulson (Millfield, UK), Douglas Kahuri (Kenya Harlequins), John Okoth (Nakuru), Timothy Okwemba (Masinde Muliro), Owain Ashley (Merchiston Castle, UK), Andrew Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Geoffrey Okwach (KCB), Jeff Mutuku (Kenya Harlequins)
URUGUAY
The Teritos finished a disappointing 5th last year but return with much greater confidence after winning the South American Championship. That included a first-ever age-grade victory over Argentina, an impressive feat though not quite their full strength side. With several players also featuring in the senior Sudamerica 6 Naciones, this is a formidable outfit.
Long-time Teros lock Mario Lamé returns as coach and his captain will be rangy lock Juanjuan Garese, who forms an effective partnership with Felipe Aliaga. There are three strong tighthead props to choose from including man-mountain Reinaldo Piussi, while the backs include a creative 10-12-13 unit in Matías D’Avanzo, Felipe Arcos Pérez, and Alfonso Costa.
Qualified: South America
Previous Appearances: 9
Previous Best: Winners (2008)
Head Coach: Mario Lamé
Captain: Juanjuan Garese
Returning Players: 11
Eligible to Return: 7
Forwards: Santiago Bonasso (Los Cuervos), Faustino Etchegorry (Old Boys), Ignacio Péculo (Old Christians), Reinaldo Piussi (Oyonnax, FR), Ezequiel Ramos (Dolores), Carlos Gruss (Old Boys), Juan Martín Rippe (Los Cuervos), Felipe Aliaga (Los Ceibos), Carlos Deus (Old Boys), Juanjuan Garese (Carrasco Polo), Juan Manuel Aguiar (Old Boys), Felipe Lombardo (Old Christians), Santiago Nicolich (Old Christians), Tomás Pollio (Old Boys), Maxime Sonneveld (Old Boys)
Backs: Alfonso Cat (Old Boys), Ignacio Rodríguez (Old Boys), Matías D’Avanzo (Old Boys), Federico Slinger (Old Christians), Felipe Arcos Pérez (Old Boys), Manuel Barreiro (Salto), Alfonso Costa (Carrasco Polo), Baltazar Amaya (Old Boys), Juan Pablo Costabile (Old Christians), Santiago del Cerro (Old Christians), José Iruleguy (Old Boys)
POOL B
CANADA
After three straight years of batting below their ability, the Canadians are at last looking like a side that could contend for the title again. A strong supporters group has eliminated pay-to-play and helped finance a development tour to Europe. Jeff Williams’ team looked very strong against the Junior All-Americans and is stacked with talent expected to challenge for test honors.
Already capped is scrumhalf Will Percillier, who is expected to join the senior squad in the build-up to the World Cup. Blindside flanker Quentin James will join Percillier at Stade Français after playing for Perpignan’s academy this past season. Imposing midfielder Quinn Ngawati is certain to attract the attention of professional scouts, while Avery Oitomen proved a revelation for the Toronto Arrows in Major League Rugby.
Qualified: North America
Previous Appearances: 8
Previous Best: 2nd place (2013, 2015)
Head Coach: Jeff Williams
Captain: Will Percillier
Returning Players: 8
Eligible to Return: 13
Forwards: Guerschom Mukendi (Stoney Creek Camels), Tyler Rowland (UBC Thunderbirds), Josh Tweed (UBC Thunderbirds), Stefan Zuliani (Queen’s Gaels), Jared Augustin (Queen’s Gaels), Mike McCarthy (Swilers), Frank Carson (UBC Thunderbirds), Reid Davis (James Bay), Tyler Duguid (Nor’westers), David Carson (UBC Thunderbirds), Nick Carson (UVic Vikes), Mason Flesch (James Bay), Quentin James (Perpignan, FR), Will Matthews (Beaconsfield), Siaki Vikilani (Burnaby Lake)
Backs: Jack Carson (Castaway Wanderers), Will Percillier (Stade Français, FR), Thomas Isherwood (Westshore), Brock Webster (Oshawa Vikings), Gabriel Casey (UVic Vikes), Lachlan Kratz (UVic Vikes), Quinn Ngawati (Westshore), Jarvis Dashkewytch (UVic Vikes), Antoine de la Fontaine (Sherbrooke Abénakis), Avery Oitomen (Toronto Arrows), David Richard (Mississauga Blues)
HONG KONG
An emerging nation, Hong Kong have traditionally sent young sides with an eye for the future. Again nearly half the team is eligible to return next season but almost half are returning players. That experience should make them more savvy, with Stephen Dowse continuing his role as their primary mentor in the national development program.
Headlining the side without question is flyhalf Paul Altier, who scored a remarkable 36 points in the win over Romania last year and recently made his test debut. He will look to vice-captain Sam Tsoi for leadership in the pack. Flanker Joseph Knight plays his club rugby for London Irish, with Canadian-born back row Kyle McCallum arriving from Queen’s University.
Qualified: Asia
Previous Appearances: 5
Previous Best: 6th place (2018)
Head Coach: Stephen Dowse
Captain: Paul Altier
Returning Players: 12
Eligible to Return: 12
Forwards: Mikkel Christensen, Rory Cinnamond, Nick McGrory, Cheuk-Wai Ng, Callum Tam, Man-Chun Tang, Jonathan Howells, James Rivers, Sam Tsoi, Hugo Darke-Christopher, Joseph Knight, Kyle McCallum, Ollie Overman, Wai-Shing Sung
Backs: Sam Down, Henry Poon, Paul Altier, Pat Laidler, Kyle Kitney, Julian Onderwater, William Panday, Tiernan Neville, Thaddeus Summers, Tomek Tsang, Oliver Duffy, Lucas Lacamp
PORTUGAL
After back to back seasons of coming just short, Portugal are aiming for the top spot in this year’s tournament. Their preparations included a win at home over Canada, though their respective rosters will be quite different in Brazil. Vastly experienced Lobos scrumhalf Luis Pissarra reprises his role as Head Coach having led the side to 3rd place in 2018 and runners-up in 2017.
Leading the side is impressive No8 José Roque, twice capped at senior level, with the dynamic outside back Rodrigo Marta already boasting five test caps. Loosehead prop David Costa continues to refine his scrum work at Bath University, and the long-legged flyhalf Jerónimo Portela showed his quality in 2018.
Qualified: Europe
Previous Appearances: 4
Previous Best: 2nd place (2017)
Head Coach: Luis Pissarra
Captain: José Roque
Returning Players: 5
Eligible to Return: 13
Forwards: Duarte Conde (Cascais), David Costa (Bath University, UK), António Cunha (Coimbra), Márcio Pinheiro (CDUL), Rodrigo Bento (Técnico), Frederico Simões (Belenenses), Martim Belo (Cascais), José Madeira (Belenenses), Sebastião Silva (Cascais), Helano Alberto (Brive, FR), André Gouveia (Montemor), Manuel Maia (Técnico), Manuel Pinto (Belenenses), José Roque (Montemor)
Backs: Joaquim Félix (CDUL), Pedro Lucas (Técnico), Tomás Lamboglia (Caldas), Jerónimo Portela (Direito), Jose Do Carmo (Agronomia), Rodrigo Marta (Belenenses), Francisco Rosa (Direito), José Santos (Belenenses), Francisco Salgado (Técnico), Raffaele Storti (Técnico), João Vieira (CDUL), Simão Bento (Técnico)
TONGA
It’s been four years since Tonga has been part of the tournament, besting Samoa in regional play to earn their spot. Their trademark physicality makes them a unique challenge in this tournament. While cohesion may be an issue, there will be plenty of individual talent with many plying their trade in New Zealand’s club system. With only four players eligible next season, the Tongans have gone all-in for 2019.
Captaining the side is abrasive loose forward Pita Halaifonua, while Tonga ‘A’ cap Roy Lolesio should also feature in the back row. Hard-running midfielder Rodney Tongotea earned plaudits at the recent world rugby combine, while winger Lisiate Folau has represented New Zealand Schools at sevens.
Qualified: Oceania
Previous Appearances: 4
Previous Best: 2nd place (2014)
Head Coach: Lotu Filipine
Captain: Pita Halaifonua
Returning Players: n/a
Eligible to Return: 4
Forwards: Mafi Fifita, Tevita Sole, Apitoni Toia, Lisivani Tuifua, Falamani Mafi, Mesake Toumohuni, Tupou Afungia, Solomone Fono, Aisea Maksini, Otunuku Pauta, Asaeli Fanua, Pita Halaifonua, Lopini Kioa, Roy Lolesio, Tu’atao Savou
Backs: Siaosi Nai, Mordecai Pulu, Filipe Samate, Alan Tukuafu, Hesitoni Fa, Rodney Tongotea, Malakai Uasi, Lote Fakatou, Taniela Filimone, Lisiate Folau, Hateni Tafolo
