The IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007 was officially launched with a press conference at The University of Ulster, Jordanstown on Monday 2 April with Michael Reid, CEO of Ulster Rugby, promising it will be “simply the best.”

Michael Reid speaking at the launch

Reid declared that the excitement has been building in Belfast for some time, when he was joined on the top table by Councillor Jim Kirkpatrick, Sheriff of Belfast City Council, IRB Tournament Director Simon Jelowitz and Kingspan commercial director Philip Brown.

“Today is the end of 18 months preparation and the start of something very special. As I said at the announcement at out own City Hall I believe the Under 19 World Championship 2007 will be simply the best,” said Reid

Also in attendance on the top table were Charlie McAleese and Phil Mooney, head coaches of Ireland and defending champions Australia, who meet in their opening match on Thursday at Ravenhill.

Despite the massive challenge that his team faces, McAleese admitted to finding it a little bit unusual being the host union.

“Just at the minute it is strange feeling. Last year we were in Dubai and I think Dubai caught our imagination. This time I travelled 15 minutes down the road and we’ve all said in camp over the last few days it has taken a bit of getting used to, but I’m sure come Thursday we’ll be ready.”
 
“We’ve a challenging series of games, we have great respect for Australia, we saw them in action in Dubai last year and they were worthy winners, but equally we have to face Scotland and South Africa and we’re aware of the challenges.

“The home crowd will be a 16th man obviously; at least I have to say I hope they are. Whether that’s the Blarney Army or whatever they’re called, we’ll be sure to get their support.”

Mooney revealed the warm welcome they have received since arriving in Belfast on Saturday, but believes it will come to a sudden stop when Australia line up against Ireland:

“Northern Ireland and their people are renowned around the world for their hospitality, I sense that come Thursday night they won’t be as hospitable to us!” said Mooney.

“It is a really enticing opener for us. As Charlie alluded to every game at this tournament is a really tough one, it really is a great start for us, playing Ireland at home at such a great venue as Ravenhill and we are really looking forward to the challenge.”

After the media launch the players attended an anti-doping seminar, during which former Australian international and current Ulster Rugby second row Justin Harrison offered a few words of advice about the pitfalls they may come across in their careers.

Player Briefing

For all the latest information and team news visit www.irbu19.com