Ireland and Italy Dismiss Six Nations Match in United States

Both the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) have dismissed proposals to play a Six Nations match in the United States, despite World Rugby's continued efforts to expand the sport stateside. This announcement comes after World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin suggested such a fixture would capitalize on expatriate fan bases and boost the sport's profile in America.

World Rugby's chief executive, Alan Gilpin, recently indicated a willingness to assist any nation contemplating moving a Six Nations match to the US. He specifically cited an Ireland versus Italy game as an example that could resonate with Irish and Italian expatriate fans, aiding the sport's growth.

However, the IRFU quickly countered, stating there are currently no plans or discussions to move any fixtures to the United States. An IRFU spokesperson emphasized the value of the Six Nations' appeal to fans in participating unions, highlighting that the opportunity for supporters to watch their teams at home remains central to the competition.

Italian Federation Echoes Sentiment

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) also distanced itself from the idea of playing a Six Nations match across the Atlantic. A FIR spokesperson noted that the US has significant potential for rugby's growth, referencing Italy's previous Test match against Ireland in Chicago in 2018 as a progressive step.

The FIR spokesperson added that while events like the South Africa versus All Blacks match serve as exciting previews for the upcoming Men's and Women's Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, there are no discussions between the FIR and other stakeholders regarding a Six Nations Test in the US. This aligns with the IRFU's position, underscoring a collective reluctance from both nations.

World Rugby's Growth Strategy

Gilpin's proposal stemmed from a broader strategy to grow rugby in the American market, leveraging the significant expatriate communities. He told the Daily Telegraph and The Times that while an Italy-Ireland game was not a live discussion, such a fixture in cities like Boston or New York could definitely drive the economics due to the large Irish and Italian fan bases.

Despite the clear interest from World Rugby, the statements from both the IRFU and FIR confirm that the traditional appeal of home matches for supporters is a primary consideration for these unions, maintaining the integrity of the tournament's current format. Further developments regarding international rugby news and potential expansion opportunities for the sport in the USA will likely remain a topic of discussion for World Rugby as it looks to build towards the 2031 and 2033 World Cups, which will be hosted in the United States. Fans interested in other international rugby news can find more information here international rugby news.