Watson Backs US Six Nations Match, Gilpin Sees Financial Promise

Former England international Anthony Watson has voiced support for staging a Six Nations fixture in the United States, a move World Rugby is actively pursuing as part of its strategy to expand rugby's global footprint. This comes as World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin highlighted the financial potential of such a venture, pointing to recent successful high-profile matches in the US Planet Rugby.

World Rugby’s ambition to bring the Northern Hemisphere's premier international competition to North America aligns with its decision to award the men's and women's World Cups to the US in 2031 and 2033, respectively. This initiative aims to cultivate greater interest in rugby across the Atlantic, acknowledging the growing trend of major sports exploring new markets for commercial growth and fan base expansion.

Watson, reflecting on his perspective as a former player, emphasized the importance of growing the sport's audience. While acknowledging an instinctive reluctance if it were a home game for England, he ultimately believes a US Six Nations match would be beneficial for rugby as a whole Planet Rugby. He cautioned, however, that simply playing a game in a major city like New York would not suffice. Instead, he advocated for a 'smart' approach to activation, involving influential American figures to promote the sport effectively.

Demonstrated US Market Viability

Previous rugby union encounters in the US, such as the 2018 autumn international between Italy and Ireland in Chicago, provide a historical precedent, although that was not a Six Nations fixture Planet Rugby. Gilpin specifically cited an Ireland versus Italy match as an ideal candidate for a US Six Nations fixture, particularly in cities like New York or Chicago, due to their significant expat populations with Italian and Irish ancestry Planet Rugby. For more global rugby coverage, readers can explore our world rugby coverage.

Strategic Growth for Rugby

Watson's intervention follows World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin broaching the subject and offering financial incentives to interested unions Planet Rugby. This proactive approach from World Rugby suggests a strong commitment to exploring and implementing such opportunities, aiming to ensure the sport's growth and financial health in a competitive global sports landscape.