USA Men’s Rugby to Play in Chicago, Washington in Summer

USA Rugby’s men’s national team will play matches against Romania on July 5 in Chicago and Scotland on July 12 in Washington, D.C., to prepare for Pacific Nations Cup later this year.

The two events join a pair of USA vs Canada fixtures, both at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, with the women on April 28 and men of August 31. The men’s game is part of the Pacific Nations Cup as the U.S. will take part in the six-nation men’s competition with Canada, Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. After a group stage containing one home and one away game for each of the six teams, the U.S. and Japan will take turns in hosting the finals of the competition held across two weekends, giving the sport more attention in the U.S. ahead of hosting the Men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time in 2031 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2033.

“We’re thrilled to have a full slate of Eagles test matches on home soil again with the announcement of two additional events against Romania and Scotland,” said new USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Bill Goren. “Hosting in three major regions across the country from Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington DC gives USA Rugby an opportunity to re-engage the rugby community with home events and four stellar matchups we know fans will enjoy. With each city also a host candidate for the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cup, we’re excited for these experiences to start a foundation of success in each market going forward.”

The U.S. beat Romania 31-17 last summer in Bucharest and also beat Scotland in 2018.

“Romania and Scotland are two teams who’ve had a positive amount of time together through the Rugby World Cup and this year’s international competitions in Europe,” said USA Rugby men’s coach Scott Lawrence. “All test matches are special but home test matches are rare and special for the USA National Team. We’re both excited and grateful we get to share the experience together with our families and our community.”