Switch Six Nations fixture to USA grow game – World Rugby
World Rugby would help any nation which wants to switch a Six Nations match to the United States as it continues its drive to spread the game stateside.
World Rugby has indicated it would assist any nation wishing to move a Six Nations match to the United States as part of its strategy to expand rugby's global reach. Two teams - South Africa and New Zealand - recently filled the 71,000-seat M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore for the decisive Test in their long-standing rivalry. With the Rugby World Cups scheduled for 2031 and 2033 in the US, tournament organizers are eager to bring more high-profile matches to the country.
According to World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin, the match's economics are comparable to those of a Six Nations game, suggesting financial barriers are no longer a concern. The All Blacks, in particular, have been instrumental in promoting rugby in the US, with successful matches against Ireland and Fiji in recent years. Gilpin believes the historical connection between the Six Nations and expatriate fans in the US could be a valuable asset in further integrating the sport into the American market.
He cites examples like Irish and Italian fanbases in Boston and New York, suggesting these groups could drive the economics of a Six Nations game in the US. While the idea of relocating a fixture is intriguing, the move would still require the agreement of the competing teams, who would weigh the potential backlash of transporting a match thousands of miles.
The 2027 Six Nations schedules have already been finalized, leaving the possibility of a US fixture up in the air.
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