The event is organised by the sport's governing body, World Rugby, and is contested by 12 men's junior national teams with an under-20 age requirement.

The inaugural tournament was held in June 2008, hosted by Wales and with 16 teams participating.

Wales was announced as host for the inaugural tournament in November 2007.

[1] The number of participating nations was reduced to 12 before the 2010 tournament due to financial reasons.

[2] The U20 Championship is the upper level of the World Rugby tournament structure for under-20 national sides.