Willie Faloon says it's "disappointing" that there will be no World Rugby U20 championship this year, but is hopeful Ireland can arrange an international programme during the summer window.
World Rugby confirmed this afternoon that both the U20 World Championship and second-tier U20 World Trophy would return in 2023 rather than this summer, after Covid-19 saw the previous two tournaments cancelled.
With no world championship available, World Rugby say they are working with unions to create more suitable regional competitions this summer, with the likelihood that Ireland will be competing in a tournament alongside their usual Six Nations rivals, as well as Georgia and Portugal.
"It's disappointing, it just puts a bit more onus on the Six Nations now for us to kick on," said Ireland U20 defence coach Faloon.
"That would be great," he added, when asked about arranging games this summer.
"The boys develop so much in these camps and to get a bit more exposure on a world stage would be brilliant."
Ireland host Italy at Musgrave Park this Sunday, looking to take another step towards a Grand Slam following their nailbiting win against France last time out.
However, with Italy having defeated Ireland in a pre-Christmas warm-up fixture in UCD, as well as earning a famous win against England in Round 2, Faloon is sure there is no reason for Ireland to show any complacency this Friday night at Musgrave Park.
"Even just the manner of how they beat England, they're looking to play some rugby," the former Ulster and Connacht flanker added.
"They’re strong at the set piece, they’re strong across the board, there is absolutely no complacency. We have to be better than we have been so far.
"There's that little bit of external pressure (on Italy), but they aren’t going to get too far ahead of what they can do; they'll be focusing on this game. They’re looking to put their best foot forward.
"From what I’ve seen they will try to do the same as France, get up and put pressure on our attack, to try and do something similar."
With the Six Nations on a down-week Richie Murphy's squad enjoyed a training hit-out with the Ireland senior team during their mini-camp late last week.
And Faloon, who has enjoyed a fast rise through the coaching ranks with City of Armagh and Ulster Rugby, says watching how Andy Farrell's squad train was an eye-opening experience for both players and coaches.
"It's pure gold, so it is.
"You can see everyone was 10% better just on that day because of who else was in the room. That peer, having someone like that saying you should do something differently, it’s massive for any young player.
"It was brilliant just to sit back and watch what they were doing, a lot of the things we're trying to do are similar.
"It’s just a little bit of added detail and the ways they go around getting it. It’s just awesome to see in a live environment. It’s a brilliant experience for any young coach."
