Photo via BBC Sport

Switch Six Nations fixture to USA to grow game – World Rugby

World Rugby is ready to back any country interested in staging a Six Nations fixture in the United States, seeking to build momentum ahead of hosting the men's 2031 and women's 2033 World Cups. The push follows a 71,000-ticket sellout at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium for the final Greatest Rivalry clash between New Zealand and South Africa, proving that elite matches can generate significant commercial returns across the Atlantic.

The All Blacks previously drew 60,000 fans to Chicago's Soldier Field for a historic defeat against Ireland in 2016 and another lucrative encounter in 2025, alongside victories against the Eagles (104-14 in Washington) and Fiji (47-5 in San Diego). World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin proposed that a clash like Ireland versus Italy in cities such as Boston or New York could activate sizable immigrant populations, acknowledging the delicate balance needed to satisfy supporters back home.

Relocating a game overseas would mark an unprecedented step in the 143-year history of the Six Nations, with Wales's temporary relocation to London's Wembley Stadium in 1998 and 1999 during stadium reconstruction serving as the tournament's only prior venue shift outside participant territories. However, former United States men's coach and current England women's head coach John Mitchell voiced skepticism regarding the initiative, questioning whether American sports enthusiasts will readily embrace rugby rivalries given their deep-seated allegiance to established domestic competitions.