South Africa were crowned 2012 champions after defeating New Zealand 22–16 in the final on 22 June at Newlands Stadium.

They had been replaced with Samoa, who won the 2011 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy.

Italy were relegated to the IRB Junior World Trophy for 2013 after losing the last place play-off to Fiji.

They were replaced in 2013 with the United States, winner of the 2012 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy.

In an effort to improve TV broadcasting for all matches, only two venues were planned to be used.