Georgia Set to Host Expanded World Rugby U20 Championship in 2026

Georgia is poised to host the expanded World Rugby U20 Championship in 2026, welcoming 16 teams to compete in this prestigious age-grade tournament. This marks the second instance of Georgia hosting the championship, having previously done so in 2017 when New Zealand triumphed over England in the final held in Tbilisi.

The decision to expand the tournament from 12 to 16 teams reflects World Rugby's commitment to enhancing global competitiveness in the sport. According to Nigel Cass, Chief of Rugby Competitions, Performance and Development at World Rugby, this expansion aims to provide more young players with opportunities to demonstrate their skills on the international stage. The tournament will take place in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, with specific dates yet to be confirmed.

"We are delighted to bring the World Rugby U20 Championship back to Georgia – a nation with a deep passion for the game and a proven track record of hosting world-class events," Cass stated in a press release dated July 18, 2025. The recent expansion follows consultations with national unions aimed at increasing the competitiveness of age-grade competitions globally, as part of the pathway to the Men’s Rugby World Cup.

The current format will see the addition of Fiji, Japan, Uruguay, and the USA to the existing lineup, with the latter three teams having last participated in the U20 Championship in 2009 and 2013, respectively. The Georgian Rugby Union President, Davit Kacharava, expressed his enthusiasm for the event's return, emphasizing its significance for the development of rugby in Georgia and the potential to inspire a new generation of players.

"Hosting the U20 Championship will spark a new wave of interest in rugby across Georgia. More young people will be inspired to take up the sport," Kacharava remarked. The Georgian government has played a crucial role in securing the hosting rights, with Kacharava acknowledging their support as instrumental in this achievement.

The tournament's expansion is seen as a historic moment for Georgian rugby, with Kacharava highlighting the responsibility to deliver a world-class event that meets the expectations of both local and international audiences. "We must rise to the challenge and, as we did in 2017, deliver a world-class championship," he stated.

The U20 Championship serves as a crucial step in the development of young players, with many participants going on to represent their nations at higher levels of competition. The upcoming tournament is expected to enhance the profile of rugby in Georgia, further solidifying its position within the international rugby community.

As the world of rugby gears up for this significant event, the implications for Georgian rugby and its growing presence on the international stage cannot be overstated. With sport recognized as a national priority, the 2026 U20 Championship represents not just an athletic milestone, but also a cultural moment of unity and celebration for the nation of Georgia.