World Rugby claim the tournament, due to finish on June 25, will be shown in more than 151 million homes across the world.

Matches will be held at two venues in Manchester - Manchester City Academy Stadium and AJ Bell Stadium, the home of the Sale Sharks Rugby Union team.

All 12 teams due to participate in the competition have arrived in the North-West of England ahead of the tournament, with New Zealand bidding to defend the crown they won by beating this year’s hosts at the 2015 edition in Cremona.

England played host to a successful Rugby World Cup last year, described as the best-ever.

“The U20 Championship is a perfect pathway for the future stars of world rugby,” World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said.

"Following Rugby World Cup 2015, Manchester will provide a great backdrop for the games and fans in the region are in for a feast of open, running rugby at a tournament that will showcase some of the stars of the next Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.”

The action during the Under-20 Championship will be screened across several major broadcasting platforms, such as Sky Sports in England, ESPN in the United States and Canal+ in France.

“The level of interest in this premier age-grade tournament is increasing massively each year,” Gosper added.

“This June, fans from more than 110 countries around the world will watch the future stars of the game thrill and excite in Manchester, and I've no doubt we'll see many of them do the same at the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.

"With broadcasters such as ESPN in the United States and Canal+ in France joining other major broadcasters around the world in showing matches, it's a fantastic opportunity to really grow the game in new and traditional rugby markets."

New Zealand’s clash with Georgia is one of six matches to take place on the opening day as the tournament begins with France against Argentina and South Africa versus Japan in Pool C.

Wales then take on Ireland at the same time as Australia face Scotland, before England entertain Italy.