Rugby Union: England Eyeing Historic Test in USA Ahead of Argentina Tour

England Considering Landmark Fixture in North America

The England national rugby union team is in talks to play a landmark Test match in the United States next summer, before embarking on their scheduled tour of Argentina. This potential North American venture would represent a significant shift in the team’s recent touring patterns, which have largely been limited to Tier 1 rugby nations.

“What makes it special, with this tour in particular; coming across two countries is a challenge in itself, coming across two hemispheres brings its own challenges,” said England captain Jamie George.

Shift in England’s International Touring Patterns

Mail Sport understands that plans are already finalized for England to face Argentina in two Test matches in 2025, aligning with the tradition of visiting South America during the British and Irish Lions touring years. However, there is now a possibility that the team will also venture to the United States, which would be their first away Test outside the sport’s elite countries since 2001.

• England’s international travels have been largely confined to Tier 1 nations in the past two decades.
• In 2021, the team hosted the USA and Canada while COVID-19 restrictions were in place.
• Prior to that, they played two Tests in Argentina in 2013 and 2017, and a clash against a South America XV in Montevideo, Uruguay, was also part of the 2013 tour.
• The last time England played an away Test against a non-elite rugby nation, excluding World Cups, was in 2001, when they faced the USA in San Francisco.

Potential Impact on USA’s Rugby World Cup Ambitions

The potential visit to the USA could have a significant impact on the country’s efforts to build towards hosting the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The Eagles, who failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in France, would welcome the opportunity to face England as a high-profile encounter to drive interest and on-field development.

This potential tour would also align with the amended model for international fixtures, where top nations play one Test against a Tier 2 side before two matches against a leading rival. From 2026, the new Nations Championship will be launched, featuring the Six Nations and Rugby Championship teams, as well as potentially Fiji and Japan, which will spell the end of traditional touring schedules.

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