Six Nations: No plans for Ireland Six Nations game in US – IRFU

There are “currently no plans or discussions” relating to Ireland playing a Six Nations match in the United States, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) says.

World Rugby’s chief executive Alan Gilpin said on Wednesday that it would help any nation that wants to switch a Six Nations match to the US, as it continues its drive to spread the game stateside.

He used the example of Ireland v Italy as a game that would resonate with expatriate fans in the United States and could help the sport further establish itself there.

But, in a statement issued on Friday, the IRFU dismissed the idea that it was considering moving any fixtures to the US.

“The United States is an important growth market for rugby and we welcome and embrace initiatives that help introduce the sport to new audiences and, crucially, generate new revenues for the game,” said an IRFU spokesperson.

“There are currently no plans or discussions, from an IRFU perspective, regarding Six Nations matches being played in the United States.

“We believe the Six Nations holds a special place for supporters across all participating unions, and the opportunity for fans in Ireland and Italy to support their teams at home remains a central part of the competition’s appeal.”