WORLD RUGBY PROPOSES SIX NATIONS MATCH IN UNITED STATES

World Rugby has proposed staging a Six Nations match in the United States and offered financial incentives to participating unions to do so. The governing body has suggested Ireland versus Italy as a potential fixture, citing the concentration of expatriates from both countries on the east coast. The proposal forms part of World Rugby's broader strategy to raise the sport's profile in America ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup being held there.

England has effectively ruled out participating in any Six Nations match relocated to the US. Men's fixtures at Twickenham generate approximately £10 million per Six Nations home match and account for about 85% of the Rugby Football Union's revenues. England's decision is understood to reflect both the financial value of hosting matches domestically and contractual obligations, including a naming rights deal with Allianz that stipulates a certain number of matches at Twickenham.

World Rugby has made previous attempts to expand rugby's presence in America, including a failed bid to bring the British & Irish Lions to Las Vegas during their 2025 tour to Australia. England faced the USA in Washington in summer 2025, whilst the All Blacks and Ireland played in Chicago in autumn 2024. The 2030 finals weekend of the Nations Championship has also been scheduled for the United States.