Six Nations US Match Proposed to Strengthen Rugby's International Appeal
The Six Nations Championship, rugby union's premier annual tournament, faces growing calls to stage a fixture in the United States as part of efforts to expand the sport's global footprint. This proposal comes amid preparations for the men's and women's Rugby World Cups, scheduled for the US in 2031 and 2033 respectively.
Building Momentum for American World Cups
World Rugby's decision to award the 2031 and 2033 World Cups to the United States has been described by some observers as potentially premature. To cultivate interest and avoid the risk of poorly attended matches during those tournaments, rugby authorities are actively exploring opportunities to host more significant fixtures in America beforehand.
This strategy has already seen the Springboks and All Blacks scheduled to play a Test match in Baltimore in 2026. However, questions remain about whether the American market can sustain the intensity of a full World Cup schedule, featuring dozens of matches over a month-long period.
A Strategic Move for the Six Nations
Advocates for taking a Six Nations game to the US argue it represents a necessary, if unpopular, step to safeguard rugby's long-term international growth. Sending a high-profile fixture, such as a clash between traditional rivals Ireland and England, could demonstrate top-tier, competitive rugby to a new audience and help build a sustainable fanbase.
An Irish home game, potentially relocated due to the smaller capacity of Dublin's Aviva Stadium compared to other venues and the significant Irish diaspora in America, is suggested as a logical candidate. Such a match would likely sell out and generate substantial revenue, showcasing the sport's commercial potential in North America.
Balancing Tradition with Expansion
The Six Nations is celebrated not only for the quality of rugby but for its unique accessibility; fans can travel between any of the six competing nations within a few hours. Moving a game across the Atlantic would temporarily sacrifice this distinctive charm.
Consequently, any US fixture should be viewed as a short-term tactical measure rather than a permanent alteration to the tournament's format. It is framed as a growing pain that European rugby, and by extension the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship nations, may need to endure to ensure the sport's vitality for the next century.
This strategic expansion, while potentially disruptive, is positioned as crucial for preventing an embarrassment of empty stadiums during the 2031 World Cup and for fostering a genuine rugby culture in a key market.
