Six Nations Games in the USA: World Rugby Explores Hosting Flagship Matches Across the Atlantic

World Rugby is actively pursuing the idea of holding a lucrative Six Nations Test match in the United States. This initiative comes as the sport seeks to penetrate new markets, highlighted by the highly anticipated sold-out match between South Africa and New Zealand in Baltimore.

With the USA set to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup, the sport's governing body believes there's significant potential and enthusiasm to stage a Six Nations fixture on American soil.

World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin drew parallels between the economic appeal of the South Africa vs. New Zealand game and a Six Nations encounter. He suggested that by strategically selecting locations like Boston or New York, which have substantial fan bases, it's possible to significantly boost the financial viability of such events.

Gilpin offered a hypothetical scenario involving a match between Italy and Ireland. He pointed out the presence of large Irish and Italian communities in the US, suggesting these groups could be targeted for a Six Nations game. He acknowledged the potential counter-argument from fans in the home nations who might feel excluded. However, he countered that such an event would still provide a valuable opportunity for Irish and Italian supporters residing in the US to watch their national teams compete.

Gilpin concluded by stating that this is a complex consideration that requires careful deliberation and balancing of various interests.

Six Nations matches in the USA! World Rugby say they want to host flagship games across the pond

World Rugby is pushing for the Six Nations to stage a money-spinning Test in America.

A sell-out crowd is expected for Saturday's clash between South Africa and New Zealand in Baltimore as the sport tries to open new markets.

The USA will host the 2031 World Cup and the sport's governing body believe there is enough appetite to stage a Stateside Six Nations fixture.

'In terms of the match-day economics, South Africa vs New Zealand is like a Six Nations match,' said World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin.

'If you could take a Six Nations game to the right place, to a Boston or to a New York, where there's a lot of those fanbases, you can definitely drive the economics,

'I've used the example before… only as an example… of an Italy vs Ireland game. You've got two fantastic fan bases in the US of Irish and Italian fans.

'Now, you're going to have Irish fans and Italian fans in those respective home countries saying, 'Hang on a minute, you know, we want to see our country play?'

'The counter argument to that [is] it's still Irish and Italian fans getting the chance to watch their team, so they're just not the ones who live in Ireland and Italy on this occasion. But that's a balancing piece we've got to work through.'