Georgia to Host 2026 Men’s Junior World Championship Rugby | Venues & Details

Tbilisi, Georgia – Georgia is set to host the expanded World Rugby Junior Championship in June and July 2026, marking the tournament’s return to the nation for the first time since 2009. The competition will feature a new, larger format with 16 international teams vying for the title, signaling a growing global interest in youth rugby.

Matches will be held across two Georgian cities: the capital, Tbilisi, and the country’s second-largest city, Kutaisi. Organizers anticipate the event will offer fans a compelling combination of high-level international rugby alongside opportunities to experience Georgia’s cultural attractions and hospitality.

Match Venues

Three stadiums will serve as venues throughout the tournament:

• Avchala Rugby Stadium – Tbilisi
• Mikheil Meskhi Stadium – Tbilisi
• There’s Arena – Kutaisi

Avchala Rugby Stadium and Aia Arena will host matches during the first four match days. From July 17th and 18th, competition will expand to include Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi, utilizing three venues simultaneously. Organizers advise attendees to confirm match locations, as teams may shift between cities and stadiums during the competition’s progression.

The move to a 16-team format represents a significant evolution for the championship, previously contested by 12 nations. The expanded field includes the 12 teams that participated in the 2025 edition, the 12th-place team from the 2024 tournament, and three teams that finished in the top four of the 2024 Trophy competition.

This edition is the third to feature 16 teams, following the inaugural tournament in 2008 and the 2009 edition. Georgia previously hosted the tournament in 2017, also utilizing Tbilisi and Kutaisi as host cities.

The championship presents a substantial opportunity for Georgia to showcase its sporting infrastructure and tourism sector on an international stage. The influx of teams, support staff, and fans is expected to provide a boost to the local economy and further establish Georgia as a destination for major sporting events.

World Rugby confirmed the event, highlighting its commitment to developing the next generation of rugby players and expanding the reach of the sport globally. The tournament is expected to draw significant media attention and provide a platform for emerging talent to compete at the highest level of age-grade rugby.

Supporters are encouraged to plan their travel arrangements in advance and explore the diverse cultural and historical offerings of both Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The tournament promises not only thrilling on-field action but also a memorable experience for visitors to Georgia.