The All Blacks will return to USA for the first time since 2016 when they take on the USA Eagles at FedEx Field in Washington DC on Saturday October 23 in the inaugural 1874 Cup.

The 1874 Cup references the year rugby was first played in the United States, a collegiate match between McGill and Harvard University and celebrates the long and ever-growing history the United States has with the game of rugby.

All Blacks Captain Sam Cane said the All Blacks would be looking forward to a “special game” against the USA.  “We’ve really loved it every time we have gone there.  I know the team is excited about getting to America and particularly going to Washington, DC for the first time. It will be a historic match with a lot of meaning behind it and we hope that the rugby fans there really get behind the game. We can’t wait.”

President and chief executive officer of Events DC Gregory A. O’Dell said the opportunity to host the All Blacks in the nation’s capital would be a landmark day for rugby in the USA.

“As the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, Events DC is honored to partner with USA Rugby and Left Field Live to bring premier international rugby to DC.

“Our region is home to a robust and passionate rugby community at both amateur and professional levels. The opportunity to host the iconic All Blacks for the first time ever in our nation’s capital alongside USA Rugby will showcase Washington, DC as a dynamic, global sports destination to the world.

Washington Football Team President Jason Wright said it would be an honour to host the All Blacks and USA Eagles at FedEx Field. “We could not be happier to host this Test Match at FedExField, as it demonstrates our business vision to attract global sporting events, such as future Rugby World Cup matches, that we know quench the thirst of our diverse and sports-obsessed DMV region. Our organization looks forward to making this a memorable event and supporting a robust week of activity for the global rugby community.”

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster added: “We’re really excited to again be going back to the United States. To go to Washington, DC for a first-ever All Blacks Test there will be exciting for the team. 

We’ve had a couple of great experiences in the US already, albeit with one bad result against Ireland in 2016.  But our game against the USA in 2014 was highly memorable, with real excitement from the crowd and huge interest in the All Blacks.  So hopefully it’s another chance to grow the game of rugby there.”

The USA Eagles are coming off their first assembly since 2019 and look ahead to a busy season with qualification for the 2023 France Rugby World Cup the major focus alongside Tests against the All Blacks and Ireland on US soil.

Ticket pre-sale for the rugby community opens on Wednesday, July 28th. General public on sale opens at 10.00am EST on Friday, July 30th. For tickets visit Ticketmaster.com

Source: https://www.allblacks.com/