Excitement is building ahead of the World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026 in Georgia as the 16 best U20 teams prepare to get the tournament underway on Saturday.

The tournament features an expanded 16 teams for the first time since 2009, with Fiji, USA, Japan and Uruguay returning in 2026, with eight based in the Georgian capital Tbilisi and eight in Kutaisi.

South Africa open their campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, but new captain Siphosethu Mnebelele isn’t fazed by the pressure of trying to defend the title they won in Italy last year.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it puts pressure on us, but we have to compete and we’re going to do as best we can,” said Mnebelele, who takes over from 2025 winning captain Riley Norton after he was called into the Springbok squad for the Nations Championship.

“There are a lot of nations who are very good at rugby, so it’s going to be a big challenge – but we’re really excited to be a part of this tournament.”

New Zealand, the side South Africa beat to win a first title since 2012, are the most successful team in Junior World Championship history as six-time winners, but they haven’t lifted the coveted trophy since the tournament was last held in Georgia in 2017.

That victorious side contained the likes of current All Blacks Luke Jacobson, Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke and Asafo Aumua and New Zealand captain Haki Wiseman insists they can “use that as a huge motivation to regain the title”.

“We’ve been working really hard, we feel like we’re really tight and we’re all aiming for the same goal, which is to come here and win,” the centre said. “But this is a very long tournament and there’s a while to go, so right now our focus now is on Japan.

“As the weeks go on, we will definitely tap in to the history and legacy which they created here. We want to try and defend that.”

Hosts Georgia go into their opening Pool A match against Wales in Tbilisi on a high after beating New Zealand 22-19 in a warm-up game earlier this week, a “really important win” according to Junior Lelos captain Luka Narsia.

“The goal now is to make more history,” he said. 

“It’s a great honour that we are hosting this tournament here in Georgia. We can’t wait for our first game against Wales now. This tournament is truly a showcase of players representing their national teams. Future stars are born here.”

England, France, Argentina, Ireland and Australia all have their own ambitions of winning the tournament after strong performances in recent years, the latter two for the first time having both tasted defeat in two previous title deciders.

“What’s the key to winning the title?” said Connor Treacey, captain of 2024 champions England.

“Consistent performances over 80 minutes will hopefully give us what we all want to achieve – a Junior World Championship win.”

England face a familiar opponent in Ireland first up in Pool C with their captain Sami Bishti adding: “We understand the nature of the competition – the five-day turnaround and how difficult that can be. But I think our preparation is going to set up well for that. We’re incredibly excited.”

Watch the World Rugby Junior World Championship on Fiji One or iO.live