The event was scheduled to take place in Antofagasta in Northern Chile, but the city pulled out of staging the event.

IRB Tournament Director Santiago Ramallo travelled to the city this week to present the trophy to Governor Andrés Molina Magofke of the Araucania Region and Mayor Miguel Becker, of the city of Temuco.

"We are delighted to host this event in our city and despite the little time we've had to prepare, we are ready to welcome this great tournament," said Becker.

"This is an opportunity to showcase our city and region in front of visitors of this calibre.

"Sport is very good for education and rugby has special values and qualities that are very positive for our young people."

Magofke added: "The benefit of having such a high profile event is huge.

"Not only from the PR point of view but the chance young fans will have of interacting with the future stars of world rugby,"

The Junior Rugby World Trophy was scheduled to take place in Antofagasta, but the Chilean city pulled out

Matches will take place at the 18,000-capacity Germán Becker Stadium and local organisers have predicted large crowds for the tournament.

"It is a great venue and when we played against Brazil here we were delighted by the level of support and the facilities," said Federación de Rugby de Chile (FERUCHI) President Francisco Davanzo.

"We were devastated when Antofagasta decided to pull out but the way the Araucania and Temuco communities have taken the tournament to heart is encouraging for what should be an event to remember."

The tournament is due to take place from May 28 until June 9.

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