World Rugby is exploring the possibility of staging a Six Nations Championship match in the United States as part of its strategic efforts to expand the sport’s presence in new markets. This consideration comes amid growing interest following the upcoming South Africa versus New Zealand Test scheduled for Sunday at Baltimore’s 71,000-capacity M&T Bank Stadium. The fixture, which is expected to draw a sell-out crowd, forms the final match of the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series, with South Africa leading 2-1.
The United States is set to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031 for men and in 2033 for women, marking it as a key target for the sport’s global growth. World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin highlighted the economic potential of taking established international matches to US cities with significant expatriate communities, such as Boston and New York. He cited the example of an Italy versus Ireland Six Nations fixture, noting that both countries have large fanbases in the US that could generate strong local interest and commercial returns.
Despite the enthusiastic outlook, significant challenges remain. The Six Nations tournament involves six national unions – England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy – all of whom would need to reach a consensus to move a fixture overseas. Currently, no active plans exist to relocate matches, and the 2027 schedule is already confirmed. Additionally, England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) reportedly finds shifting Six Nations matches complicated due to its substantial revenue from home games at Twickenham, which accounts for the majority of its income and is bound by naming rights agreements requiring matches be held there. Since the RFU owns Twickenham, the financial and logistical stakes are particularly high for England compared to unions such as New Zealand and South Africa, which do not own their stadiums.
Insiders also point to potential fan opposition to relocating traditional home fixtures, as supporters in the home countries might feel deprived of the opportunity to see their teams play locally. Nevertheless, World Rugby continues to work on the balance between maintaining the tournament’s heritage and exploring new commercial avenues. The governing body is open to offering incentives and partnerships to help underwrite the economics of these matches if unions choose to participate.
World Rugby’s ambitions align with the broader trend of international sports leagues expanding their footprint in the US, exemplified by the National Football League’s ongoing international games and Rugby League’s repeated events in Las Vegas.
While some nations, notably Italy, have shown openness to the idea of playing “home” games in the US, others, including France, have declined similar proposals in the past. The final decision will require agreement among all Six Nations unions as well as broadcasters, whose contracts and market priorities will influence the feasibility of such a move.
As the sport anticipates increased attention from the Baltimore Test and the upcoming World Cups, the possibility of a Six Nations fixture in the US remains an aspirational goal, contingent on fan appetite, commercial agreements, and collective union approval.