England rejects World Rugby proposal to move Six Nations matches to US
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 5:32 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
World Rugby is pushing for Six Nations fixtures to be hosted in the United States to build commercial interest ahead of the 2031 World Cup. The governing body has offered financial incentives to national unions, including a proposal to stage a match between Ireland and Italy Stateside. England has effectively declined the plan, citing the significant revenue generated by hosting games at Twickenham. Twickenham fixtures reportedly provide £10 million in income per match, making the financial trade-off unfavorable for the Rugby Football Union. World Rugby remains focused on increasing the sport's profile in the American market, evidenced by a scheduled Test match between South Africa and New Zealand in Baltimore. The governing body continues to seek opportunities to capitalize on the region before hosting the upcoming World Cup.
- •World Rugby is offering financial incentives to bring Six Nations matches to the US.
- •England ruled out participating because Twickenham games earn roughly £10 million per match.
- •The push to stage matches in the US is meant to prepare for the 2031 World Cup.
- •Baltimore is hosting a Test match between South Africa and New Zealand this Saturday.
- 5:32 PMThe Guardian Sport — England snub World Rugby’s US Six Nations plan to protect £10m Twickenham paydays
"Governing body floating staging Ireland v Italy in US World Rugby eyes commercial value in American fixtures World Rugby wants a Six Nations match to be staged in the US and has offered financial incentives to the unions to do so – but England have effectively ruled themselves out on the grounds that fixtures at Twickenham are too lucrative. The US will stage the 2031 World Cup and World Rugby is seeking to capitalise commercially despite mounting fears over the parlous state of rugby union in the host country. As a result, the governing body is desperate to raise interest in the sport’s profile by staging high-profile matches Stateside, with Baltimore hosting the fourth Test between South Africa and New Zealand on Saturday. Continue reading...
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