IRB Tournament Director Simon Jelowitz was delighted with the turnout; “To get a first round crowd like that is unprecedented in IRB Under 19 World Championship history. To get a crowd like this, one might associate with a semi final or the final."

“It confirms our expectations that the people of Ulster have taken this tournament to their hearts and have come out in high numbers,” he said.

“We are confident that the quality of rugby will bring them back. Ireland can still qualify and we urge the public to get behind their team. The rugby is only going to get better.”

At Shaws' Bridge Argentina defeated Japan 41 - 8 and in the second match England defeated Samoa
20 - 12 while at Deramore Park South Africa defeated Fiji 36 - 5 and France narrowly defeated Scotland 11 - 6.

Click here to see some photographs from the matches at Ravenhill

For all the tourmanent fixtures, results, match reports, audio clips and a daily diary please visit www.irbu19.com