06 June 2016
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Vitality will support the future stars of the game at the World Rugby U20 Championship which kicks off in Manchester tomorrow (7 June 2016.)
Hosted by the RFU, the World Rugby U20 Championship will take place at AJ Bell Stadium, home of Sale Sharks, and Manchester City's Academy Stadium, offering back-to-back international rugby in June 2016.
The annual event, which took place in Italy last year, is contested by 12 national teams at under-20 level, showcasing future stars of rugby union.
The tournament, which is sponsored by Vitality and sports clothing company Canterbury, has proven crucial in offering a pathway for future stars of the game to progress to the highest international test stage.
It will be shown live on Sky Sports HD as part of the RFU's ongoing partnership with the broadcaster.
Since 2008, 24 senior England players have progressed through the U20s programme including Henry Slade and Jack Nowell as well as Jack Clifford and Maro Itoje who were winning captains in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Other international players who have experienced an U20s World Championship include 2015 Rugby World Cup winners Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Julian Savea and Aaron Smith of New Zealand, Wales captain Sam Warburton and Ireland's Conor Murray.
Neville Koopowitz, CEO at Vitality, said: ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring the World Rugby U20 Championship, which is a great event and a fantastic addition to our extensive rugby portfolio.
"We believe in the power of sport to help inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to live a healthy life, which is why we partner with leading sports figures, teams and events to help us share the Vitality message."
