The 2020 SA Rugby Under-21 Championship, featuring five provincial sides, will kick off on Sunday 4 October and will be played at one venue – Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg – culminating in the final on 30 October, SA Rugby announced on Wednesday.

The Xerox Lions Under-21 side will welcome their counterparts from the Cell C Sharks, Toyota Free State, DHL Western Province and Vodacom Blue Bulls to their iconic stadium for this exciting, action packed and streamlined tournament.

All teams will play each once, with semi-finals and a final to conclude this showpiece of the best emerging South African rugby talent, with two matches to take place every four days.

The hosts will take on Toyota Free State in their opening match on Sunday 4 October, a couple of hours after the North-South derby between DHL Western Province and defending champions, the Vodacom Blue Bulls. The Cell C Sharks have a bye in the first round.

SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, expressed his excitement with the tournament.

“The Under-21 competition provides an important pipeline in our player development and scouting set-up, as well as a showcase for unions in terms of contracting senior players,” said Erasmus.

“Traditionally, some exciting players emerged from this tournament and this time it will be no different. It will be great to see this age group showcasing their talents.

“A lot of the players have already been spotted in our Elite Player Development structures, and we will be monitoring their progress with keen interest.”

All five teams will be based in Johannesburg for the duration of the tournament. Current COVID-19 regulations will be in effect, with no spectators allowed and limited working personnel allowed in the stadium on match days.

The SA Rugby U21 Championship fixtures for 2020 are (kick-off times to be confirmed):

Sunday 4 October (Round One)

DHL Western Province v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Toyota Free State v Xerox Lions

Bye: Cell C Sharks

Thursday 8 October (Round Two)

Vodacom Blue Bulls v Toyota Free State

Xerox Lions v Cell C Sharks

Bye: DHL Western Province

Monday 12 October (Round Three)

DHL Western Province v Cell C Sharks

Xerox Lions v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Bye: Toyota Free State

Friday 16 October (Round Four)

DHL Western Province v Toyota Free State

Cell C Sharks v Vodacom Blue Bulls

Bye: Xerox Lions

Tuesday 20 October (Round Five)

Toyota Free State v Cell C Sharks

Xerox Lions v DHL Western Province

Bye: Vodacom Blue Bulls

Semi-finals: Sunday 25 October

Final: Friday 30 October