The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed that there are "currently no plans or discussions" regarding a Six Nations match taking place in the United States. This statement follows comments from World Rugby's chief executive Alan Gilpin, who suggested that moving a match to the US could benefit the sport's growth and appeal.

Gilpin highlighted the potential popularity of a match like Ireland vs. Italy, which could attract expatriate fans and help rugby establish a stronger presence in the US. He emphasized the importance of engaging with the significant Irish and Italian fanbases in cities such as Boston and New York to drive economic growth for the sport.

However, the IRFU firmly dismissed the idea, stating:

The United States is an important growth market for rugby, and we welcome initiatives that introduce the sport to new audiences. We believe the Six Nations holds a special place for supporters across all participating unions, and the opportunity for fans in Ireland and Italy to support their teams at home remains a central part of the competition's appeal.

In a recent interview, Gilpin acknowledged that while the discussion about moving a match is not active, the idea remains intriguing due to the enthusiastic fanbases in the US. He noted the balancing act between engaging local fans and maintaining the traditional experience for those in Ireland and Italy.

Historically, Ireland has played two well-attended matches in the US against New Zealand, including a historic victory in 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago, which drew a crowd of 60,000. This success illustrates the potential for rugby in the US market, even as the IRFU maintains its stance on the Six Nations.