Dubai: Simon Jelowitz, the International Rugby Board's tournaments manager, has little doubt about the importance of the U19 World Championship which kicks off in Dubai and Sharjah this Tuesday.

"It's our shop window," he said. "It's our chance to get people on board and it's vital not to miss an opportunity."

Twenty-four nations boasting the brightest young stars from around the globe are still arriving in Dubai and Sharjah, preparing for five games apiece in an intense 18-day period. And although established rugby nations such as South Africa, New Zealand and England are set to dominate the headlines from the two-division event, the IRB are keenly aware of their wider responsibility to make rugby a true world sport by encouraging development across the board at what Jelowitz terms this "critical" age level.

He said: "A lot of the guys taking part are now at the point where they're starting to think 'I could potentially make a career out of this' so it's a time for them to put a marker down.

"We're also providing member unions with an opportunity to experience what touring is all about. Some unions cannot afford to do this regularly so it is vital to make the most of this chance to play against the best in the world and face different playing styles."

Other benefits are harder to quantify but equally valuable. Jelowitz added: "At training venues, for example, we try to pair a Division A with a Division B team to encourage live scrummaging sessions.

"There is a lot of interaction because this is a friendly tournament. Once teams cross the whitewash they have a job to do, but off the field we see a lot of goodwill. It's the best learning curve you can get." The tournament is being staged for the first time in the Middle East, and the IRB are determined that there will be a lasting legacy for the region.

"Being here is a massive undertaking and it's fair to acknowledge the considerable role Emirates have played in delivering the tournament," said Jelowitz.

"Emirates are great supporters of rugby and our relationship with them and the Arabian Gulf RFU works very well.

"There's a big expat community here that loves their rugby and that's great. But it's also important that we leave with more local players being directed towards local clubs. We have a series of initiatives we will be working on. There is massive development potential here in the UAE and Asia."

As for the fast-approaching series of 60 matches, Jelowitz believes crowds at Dubai Exiles and Sharjah Wanderers are in for a real treat. "If people go along to one game then I guarantee they'll be back for another," he said.

"The quality of rugby at this level is quite outstanding. All I have to say is George Gregan, Brian O'Driscoll, Richie McCaw, Agustin Pichot, they've all come through this system.

"The pace and intensity of games are the same as at senior level. And a lot of the basic skills are also actually more in evidence in under-19 games."