Youth World Cup

Please find attached a joint TFA/TNZ memo relating to the Youth World Cup and the announcement of a Youth Trans Tasman series.

With regret FIT has decided to cancel the current Youth World Cup 2009.  Both TFA and TNZ were consulted on our position on this decision.

This decision has not been made lightly and while it is disappointing, it provides us with another exciting opportunity.  TFA and TNZ are therefore pleased to announce that in January 2009, during similar dates as the proposed Youth World Cup, we will be running a Youth Trans Tasman Series at The Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, Auckland, NZ in all grades that would have been played at the Youth World Cup. So, TFA will still be selecting teams to play against the toughest opposition in the world and traveling to New Zealand in January 2009.

South Africa has also indicated they are committed to attending during the same dates. Therefore we will be working hard to ensure other exciting matches on the tour, primarily a Tri Nations event involving Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. 

Although this was a difficult decision we believe the opportunities which will be presented to be extremely positive.  The last Trans Tasman Series was in 2004 and the revitalizing of this event in the calendar, coupled with other Test matches will be exciting for all concerned.

If you would like a full copy of the FIT memo relating to the factors that brought about this decision please contact me and I can forward also.