
World Rugby Eyes Six Nations Matches in the USA to Expand Rugby's Reach
Summary
World Rugby is ready to assist any nation interested in moving a Six Nations match to the United States, aligning with its mission to grow rugby in the country.
This initiative comes as South Africa and New Zealand prepare for their sold-out showdown at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, marking the final Test in their Greatest Rivalry series. With the men's and women's Rugby World Cups slated for the U.S. in 2031 and 2033, organizers are eager to import prestigious fixtures.
Alan Gilpin, the World Rugby chief executive, noted that the economics surrounding the South Africa vs. New Zealand match are comparable to those of a Six Nations game, indicating that financial returns are no longer a barrier. He expressed a willingness to explore bringing more significant matches to the U.S. if there is interest from teams.
The All Blacks have been proactive in establishing rugby's presence in the U.S., with notable matches including a historic victory over Ireland in Chicago in 2016 and a dominant win against the United States in Washington.
Gilpin emphasized the potential of the Six Nations to resonate with expatriate fanbases in the U.S., particularly in cities like Boston and New York, where Irish and Italian communities thrive. He highlighted that even if the fans are not from their home countries, they still represent their teams.
However, John Mitchell, head coach of the England women's team, expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of a stateside expansion, citing the challenges of adapting to new rivalries in American sports. He suggested that while there is potential, the visibility and investment must be carefully considered.
Ultimately, while World Rugby stands ready to support such an initiative, the decision rests with the competing teams, mindful of the implications of relocating fixtures far from their traditional venues.
Find all AI-powered sports news summaries : Six Nations, Rugby. Automatic summaries, in real-time.

Comments coming soon...