World Rugby Considers Six Nations Match in US Despite England Reluctance

World Rugby Pushes for US Fixtures Amid Financial Incentives

According to the Telegraph, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin stated that the governing body is willing to help bridge financial shortfalls for unions considering a match abroad. World Rugby floated Ireland versus Italy as a potential fixture due to strong expatriate fanbases on the US east coast, an idea echoed by BBC Sport reporting on the potential to tap into Boston and New York markets. Gilpin pointed to the fourth Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Baltimore as proof that matchday economics in the US can match traditional home fixtures. Previous efforts to capture the American market include a failed attempt to attract the British & Irish Lions to stop in Las Vegas in 2025, alongside England facing the USA in Washington and the All Blacks playing Ireland in Chicago. Additionally, the 2030 finals weekend of the Nations Championship has also been slated for the United States.

England Rules Out Twickenham Exit Over Lucrative Revenues

Moving a Six Nations championship match remains highly unlikely for England, as men’s fixtures at Twickenham account for roughly 85% of the Rugby Football Union’s revenues, generating about £10m per home match according to the Telegraph. Insiders cited by the Telegraph note that the RFU owns its home stadium—unlike New Zealand and South Africa—and is bound by a naming rights deal with Allianz that stipulates a specific number of matches at Twickenham. Furthermore, RFU officials expect significant consternation among fans and debenture holders if a fixture were moved. Any cross-border switch would also require agreement from the other Six Nations unions, the tournament committee, and tournament broadcasters, though ITV’s recent £1.6bn takeover by Comcast-owned Sky could influence broadcast logistics, as reported by the Telegraph.

Historical Precedent and Expert Caution on American Expansion

While the Principality Stadium’s construction led Wales to host matches at London’s Wembley Stadium during the late 1990s, BBC Sport notes that moving across the Atlantic for such a fixture would break new ground in the 143-year existence of the competition. The All Blacks have previously played in the US, including a 104-14 victory over the United States in Washington and a 47-5 win against Fiji in San Diego, alongside their historic 2016 win over Ireland in front of 60,000 fans at Chicago’s Soldier Field. However, England women’s head coach John Mitchell expressed doubts to BBC Radio 5 Live regarding a stateside expansion. Mitchell, who previously coached the United States men’s team, stated that American sports rely heavily on established rivalries and questioned whether rugby union can easily gain traction or large-scale visibility in the US market compared to the established European base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does World Rugby want to stage matches in the US?

According to the Telegraph and BBC Sport, World Rugby wants to raise the profile of rugby union and drive economic sustainability ahead of the United States hosting the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

Which Six Nations fixture was suggested for the US?

World Rugby floated an Ireland versus Italy match as a potential option, pointing to strong expatriate fanbases in cities like Boston and New York, according to BBC Sport and the Telegraph.

Why has England ruled out moving home matches?

According to the Telegraph, men’s fixtures at Twickenham generate about £10m each and account for roughly 85% of the RFU’s revenues, making a relocation financially unviable and unpopular with fans and debenture holders.