The International Rugby Board has announced that USA Rugby will host the Junior World Rugby Trophy 2012 from 18-30 June in Salt Lake City.

The announcement, which was made at the 2012 USA Rugby Youth Development Conference in Atlanta on Saturday, reflects the ongoing commitment of the IRB and USA Rugby to grow the game in one of the world's major markets.

Rugby is taking off in the States with participation rates making the sport one of the fastest growing team sports in the country. Olympic re-inclusion has further boosted interest and growth and the hosts will be looking to build on the hugely successful HSBC Sevens World Series event in Las Vegas and growing support for the national team as demonstrated at World Cup 2011.

Hosts USA join Canada, Chile, Georgia, Japan, Russia, Tonga and Zimbabwe as they attempt to emulate 2011 champions Samoa by winning the title and with it promotion to the IRB Junior World Championship 2013 in France.

The eight participating teams will be split into two pools of four, with double headers played across four match days.

The tournament will aim to exceed the record-breaking event in Georgia, and provide compelling and entertaining rugby whilst leaving a lasting legacy in the host nation.

"The IRB is committed to the development of the Game around the world and the USA is a very important and exciting market for Rugby," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"We now have a 10 year tours and test schedule that will see major international teams touring north America starting this year, while Sevens is really taking off. "Schools are increasingly looking to Rugby as a force for social and sporting integration and USA Rugby is reaching out to more men, women and children than ever before.

"The IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy has consistently proven that it is a major tournament on the global Rugby calendar. It's blend of entertaining, high-quality matches always captures the imagination and I am sure that USA 2012 will be no different. The legacy for Rugby in the Host Union and participating teams is proven and long lasting.

"As well as providing teams with a platform to test themselves on the international stage at this key age grade level, the tournament also provides an opportunity to take Rugby to new and expanding territories, and enables Unions to adopt best-practice techniques across areas as diverse as High Performance strategies, event hosting and Referee development.

"I would like to thank USA Rugby for their commitment, enthusiasm and passion in the delivery of what, I am sure, will be a world-class event and for using the opportunity to continue their great work in growing the Game."