TRAFFORD MV Rugby Club will be extending a warm Manchester welcome to the Ireland U20’s Rugby World Championship squad as they arrive in Trafford this week for the tournament which runs from June 7-25.

The annual event will be played out at the Manchester City Academy ground and at Sale Sharks' AJ Bell stadium with the final being at staged at the latter on June 25 at 7pm.

Both of last year’s finalists England and eventual winners New Zealand will be competing.

Trafford MV have been through an extensive facilities audit process to host a competing nation and have been chosen as the host club for the Ireland National U20s side who will attend a welcome event at the Sale-based club on Sunday from noon.

The welcome event will be attended by local dignitaries as well as representatives from the RFU and other sporting bodies and is open to the local community.

Trafford MV's president Jim Ward will welcome the players while the young players and members of the club will be able to meet the World Cup challengers.

The Ireland squad will hold full training days at the club ahead of games against their opponents in Pool A – New Zealand, Wales and Georgia.

Trafford MV sees this event as a huge impetus to rugby union in the North West and particularly in the Manchester conurbation where many schools still do not play the sport.

Local youngsters will have the opportunity to see young sportsmen competing at the highest level in excellent arenas and may see their own abilities inspired to reach a higher level.