In 2008, in accordance with new IRB rule, the New Zealand Under 21s and the Under 19s were both permanently replaced by the New Zealand Under 20s for the inaugural 2008 IRB Junior World Championship.

The Under 21s enjoyed success on the world stage, winning SANZAR/UAR tournaments and world titles in: In the 2002 Championship New Zealand won 3 games in 4 rounds, losing only to South Africa 18-19.

This led to New Zealand playing in the 3rd place playoff where they beat Wales 59-7.

[1] In the 2005 Under 21 Rugby World Championship in Argentina, New Zealand lost 12-16 to South Africa in the semi-final and then beat France 47-21 in the 3rd place play off.

At the 2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship in France, New Zealand lost 23-40 to South Africa in the semi-final and lost 36-39 to Australia in the 3rd place play off.