World Rugby explores staging a Six Nations match in the United States
World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin says the sold-out South Africa-New Zealand game in Baltimore shows a Six Nations fixture could be viable in the U.S., and discussions are already under way.
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin highlighted that the recent South Africa versus New Zealand match at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium sold out and produced earnings on par with a Six Nations encounter, indicating that money should not stop a transatlantic shift. He confirmed that the governing body has already opened discussions with the Six Nations organization about hosting a future tournament game in the United States.
Gilpin cited an Ireland-Italy fixture as a plausible example, pointing to sizable Irish and Italian diaspora audiences in Boston or New York that could boost ticket sales. He acknowledged hurdles such as the effect on home-nation supporters, guaranteed stadium revenue, existing broadcast agreements and the limited rest week in the Six Nations schedule. Ireland, which has pledged annual tests in the U.S. through the 2031 World Cup, may be the most likely candidate. Gilpin added that World Rugby is prepared to offer incentives to unions willing to relocate matches, aiming to grow the sport ahead of the men's 2031 and women's 2033 World Cups.
