Six Nations match could be moved to USA as first country backs radical plan

RUCK previously reported that World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin had raised the prospect of Six Nations and Rugby Championship fixtures being played in America as the sport builds towards the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

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Now, according to The Times, discussions over the radical proposal are continuing — and Italy have indicated they would be open to staging one of their home Six Nations matches in the United States.

Boston and New York have reportedly been discussed as possible destinations.

There are no official plans or agreements in place at this stage, and any move would require support from the Six Nations unions.

However, World Rugby is keen to bring more elite international rugby to the country as part of its long-term strategy ahead of the United States hosting the men's World Cup in 2031 and women's tournament in 2033.

The governing body is prepared to invest up to £200million into developing rugby in the US during that period, according to The Times.

Gilpin previously said:

He added that bringing major fixtures to America could provide unions with both commercial opportunities and experience of the market before 2031.

World Rugby has already made the United States an important part of its expansion strategy, with its revamped international competitions designed to increase meaningful Test rugby and grow the sport in emerging markets. World Rugby's international competition plans

When RUCK previously reported Gilpin's comments, fans reacted angrily to the possibility of losing a traditional European Six Nations fixture to America.

Here's your complete round-by-round guide to the 2027 Six Nations.

☘️ Ireland v ? England
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

? Scotland v ?? Italy
? Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?? France v ? Wales
? Stade de France, Paris
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? Italy v ☘️ Ireland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Scotland v ? Wales
? Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

? England v ?? France
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

? Wales v ☘️ Ireland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? England v ?? Italy
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? France v ? Scotland
? Stade de France, Paris
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

? Scotland v ☘️ Ireland
? Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

?? Italy v ?? France
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v ? England
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? Italy v ? Wales
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? England v ? Scotland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

☘️ Ireland v ?? France
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

There's no easing into the championship for Steve Borthwick's side. A trip to Dublin followed by a home clash with France means England face arguably the two biggest title contenders in their opening two matches before attention turns to the Rugby World Cup later in the year.

If England are to arrive in Australia as genuine contenders, they'll need to hit the ground running in what looks like the toughest Six Nations start of any nation.