Rams coach Sean McVay sees late travel to Australia for season opener as best course of action

Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams' head coach, has opted for an unconventional travel plan for their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The Rams will depart from Southern California on Tuesday night and reach Australia on Thursday, arriving roughly 24 hours before the game begins on Friday. This approach is a departure from conventional NFL travel plans, which typically involve a much shorter travel time.

McVay explained that their strategy is rooted in the success they experienced in their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London last October, where they arrived on Saturday morning for a Sunday afternoon start and went on to win 35-7. The Rams will spend approximately 15 hours in transit, albeit with lie-flat seats available for all players and coaches, making the travel experience more comfortable.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed satisfaction with their chosen approach, stating that "Sunday is like a Wednesday for us in our world." The NFL has been increasingly looking towards international games, with plans to schedule nine this season and a potential increase to ten starting in 2027. In the current season, the NFL owns the rights to host games in Melbourne and is exploring opportunities to play in other countries like Japan, South Korea, and China.