The IRFU is hoping to confirm shortly a Development tour in the summer of 2001. South Africa has been touted as the likely country. The Lions are due to tour Australia that summer and therefore there is no full Ireland tour. Instead an under-23 development squad, with perhaps one or two over-age players, will be despatched on a three week, probably three-match, tour.
The decision taken by SANZAR not to invite any of the Home Unions to this year's under-21 invitational championship - they will invite the islanders (Western Samoa, Tonga and Fiji) instead - following last year's tournament in Argentina has meant that the IRFU need a competitive outlet for their young talent.
The unions of Ireland, France, Wales, England and Scotland have written to the International Board requesting that an under-21 world championship be inaugurated. The IRB is expected to examine the commercial feasibility of such a venture before making a decision.
