WALES will attempt to repeat last year's stunning upset against New Zealand when they clash in the group stages of the World Rugby U20 Championship this summer., writes Chris Kirwan.

The Welsh youngsters have been drawn with the Baby Blacks, 2019 runners-up Australia and Georgia for the tournament in northern Italy, which kicks off on Sunday, June 28 and ends in Parma on July 18.

Wales finished sixth in Argentina last summer but enjoyed a memorable 8-7 win against the Kiwi prospects thanks to a last-gasp penalty by Ospreys full-back Cai Evans.

They will start against New Zealand on Sunday June 28 (kick-off 5.30pm) before taking on the Georgians on Friday, July 3 (kick-off 5.30pm) and finishing up against the Australian young guns on Wednesday, July 8 (kick-off 8pm).

Gareth Williams' side are currently preparing for the Six Nations and the head coach is poised to have a sizeable contingent from the Dragons.

The aim is to build towards the World Championship and a tough draw against two southern hemisphere big guns plus Georgia, who the class of 2016 edged out 10-9 in the tournament in Manchester.

Head coach Williams said: "This group is as tough as it gets, and having Italy as hosts will be fantastic. Georgia are a tough side, with excellent pedigree at this level, while New Zealand's record needs no reminder for us.

"Australia's performance last season was hugely impressive, and the opportunity to test ourselves in such company is exactly what we want to expose young Welsh players to. It's going to be very exciting."

Wales have finished either sixth or seventh in every competition since finishing as runners-up to England in the 2013 edition in France.

Two-time defending champions France are joined in Pool A by Argentina, Ireland and Japan, the latter returning to the tournament after winning the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2019.

Hosts Italy have been grouped with 2012 winners South Africa, three-time champions England and Fiji in Pool C.

The three group winners plus the best runner-up goes through to the semi-finals while everyone else plays for positions, with the bottom team dropping out of the 2021 tournament, a fate suffered by Scotland last year.