IRFU clarifies no plans to move Six Nations matches to United States

The Irish Rugby Football Union has stated there are currently no plans or discussions to move any Six Nations fixtures to the United States. The statement follows comments from World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin, who suggested that playing Six Nations games in cities like New York or Boston could help grow the sport’s presence in the region. Gilpin cited a potential Ireland against Italy matchup as an example of a game that could resonate with expatriate fanbases in America. However, the IRFU emphasized that the tournament maintains a special place for supporters within the participating nations. The union stated that the opportunity for fans in Ireland and Italy to attend home matches remains a central part of the competition's identity. Ireland has previously played matches in the United States, including encounters against New Zealand, but the governing body maintains that the Six Nations format will remain in Europe.

• 9:47 AMBBC Sport — No plans for Ireland Six Nations game in US - IRFU