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World Rugby open to Six Nations matches in USA to grow game

World Rugby has indicated it would support any nation wishing to move a Six Nations fixture to the United States, as part of its strategy to expand rugby's presence in the country.

  • World Rugby would assist any nation looking to switch a Six Nations match to the USA.
  • The men's and women's Rugby World Cups are scheduled to be held in the United States in 2031 and 2033 respectively.
  • The decision to move a Six Nations fixture would ultimately rest with the competing teams.

World Rugby has expressed its willingness to assist any nation that seeks to move a Six Nations match to the United States. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to expand the sport's reach across the Atlantic.

The move comes as the United States prepares to host the men's and women's Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033. Tournament organisers are keen to bring more high-profile fixtures to the country.

Alan Gilpin, World Rugby chief executive, noted that recent matches, such as South Africa versus New Zealand in Baltimore, demonstrate the financial viability of such events. He suggested that if there is an appetite to take big matches to the US in the future, the financial return is no longer a barrier.

While World Rugby could support a stateside Six Nations game, the final decision would lie with the competing teams. A long-haul venue switch of this nature would be unprecedented in the tournament's 143-year history, though Wales played home matches at Wembley Stadium in 1998 and 1999 during the construction of the Principality Stadium.

The schedules for the 2027 men's and women's tournaments have already been set.

Why this matters: This initiative could significantly boost rugby's profile and commercial appeal in the United States, a key market for the sport's global expansion.

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