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Yu Chun Christopher Wong/INPHO

World Rugby cancel U20 World Cup, considering alternative to 7s Olympic qualifier

The uncertainty surrounding the Olympic Games means that the June repechage tournament for 7s rugby remains under review.

WORLD RUGBY HAVE today confirmed the cancellation of this summer’s U20 Championship.

The annual ‘World Cup’ was set to take place in areas of northern Italy which have been severely hit by the outbreak of Covid-19.

The move will limit Ireland’s U20 schedule this year to five competitive matches if they can complete the two postponed Six Nations fixtures against Italy and France at some point this year.

The back-log of fixtures will also prove a tricky one to navigate for the Sevens circuit with the May World Series legs in Paris, London (men) and Langford (women) now pushed back to a provisional September date.

There are greater complications for the seven-a-side game as this summer was due to be the sport’s second appearance at the Olympic Games.

Ireland’s men are due to compete for the last available place in Tokyo in June’s repechage tournament. An event, which World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont says could be scrapped with an alternative solution devised.

With the Tokyo Olympics not yet postponed, today’s statement from World Rugby said the qualifying tournament “is under review and World Rugby continues to be in close consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the implications for the qualification process in the event that the Repechage is unable to be hosted due to the Covid-19 outbreak.”

Beaumont added:

“We are in close dialogue with the IOC relating to the conclusion of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games rugby sevens qualification, specifically options to replace the final Repechage tournament, should that be required.

“We have two women’s and one men’s teams left to qualify and are currently considering all options to ensure a fair and credible conclusion to the qualification process.”

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    Mute Ray Ridge
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    May 2nd 2020, 8:59 AM

    We could certainly be doing with a Ferris or two in the green jersey nowadays. One of the best ever to wear the jersey. Pity career ended prematurely. I do enjoy him on the punditry. Very honest.

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    Mute thesaltyurchin
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    May 2nd 2020, 1:02 PM

    @Ray Ridge: So powerful, quality player indeed, thought he started his punditry on the bitter side, taken some time for the competitor in him to fade a little, he’s decent enough now tho in fairness.

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    Mute Cathal
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    May 2nd 2020, 5:11 PM

    He would have made any world 15 in his prime, absolutely quality player. Such a shame his career ended so early

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    Mute JackSimpson
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    May 2nd 2020, 8:09 PM

    When on form and injury free he was up there with Kaino as the best no.6 in the world.

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    Mute Spailpeen Farrell
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    May 2nd 2020, 9:11 AM

    Is Impactful code for always injured?

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    Mute Barra Mac An Bhaird
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    May 2nd 2020, 12:30 PM

    @Spailpeen Farrell: stupid comment. He was a class player

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    Mute ThatLJD
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    May 2nd 2020, 10:04 PM

    @Spailpeen Farrell: Always injured? Yes injury blighted the last year or so for him, but always injured, that’s a laugh. The reckless way he put himself about was possibly what didn’t help him have a long career but he never went missing in games and without needing to talk about what irishness meant to him he did his bit and more for the game here. Top class 6.

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    Mute Pat O'Leary
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    May 3rd 2020, 12:58 AM

    What a brilliant player – such a shame he had to retire so early. Always thought he could have managed himself a little better in terms of injuries, but guess that was just the competitor in him / always wanted to be back out in the thick of it.

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    Mute Boseph Stalin
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    May 3rd 2020, 2:06 PM

    I train at the same gym as him nowadays and hes STILL a beast!

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    Mute Conor Pocock
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    May 4th 2020, 6:08 AM

    Jaysis Ireland really had a glorious chance in 2011 to win the World Cup. Full panel of players to chose from……..Welsh defence was unreal that day though

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    Mute Jonny Walls
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    May 5th 2020, 3:12 PM

    Not sure we played New Zealand in Croker in 2010, think it was Aviva Stadium.

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