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The All Blacks will play their first match in the US for 34 years when they take to Soldier Field in Chicago against the United States on November 1.
Confirmation of the news was delivered at a press conference in Chicago involving the New Zealand Rugby Union, USA Rugby, AIG (sponsor of both teams) and Chicago Sports Commission.
In a welcome development, US TV network NBC will provide national broadcast coverage of the game.
“We have taken big steps to increase the profile of rugby in the US with our international games drawing record crowds but nothing on the scale of a match against the New Zealand All Blacks,” USA Rugby chief executive officer Nigel Melville said.
“The Maori All Blacks (last year) offered a taste of the rugby tradition one can expect from New Zealand and we have no doubt the All Blacks will raise the level of play for the Eagles as they prepare for the World Cup and create a special event for rugby supporters around the world.”
The Eagles will face New Zealand ahead of the All Blacks’ end-of-year European tour.
“We are very excited to be taking the All Blacks to a part of the world we know is incredibly keen on all sports and where we believe there is a real thirst to see the style of rugby we are famous for,” New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew was quoted in a press release from USA Rugby.
The All Blacks have only played the US three times; in Berkeley, California, in 1913, at an exhibition match in San Diego, in 1980 which drew a record crowd for a rugby match in North America and at the 1991 World Cup in England.
“It goes without saying, but playing the New Zealand All Blacks is a rugby player’s dream,” Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin said.
“It’s no different as a coach. Although this Test match is a massive challenge, we want to play against the world’s best. This will also be the perfect opportunity to showcase American rugby, as well as growing the game in the US with one of the biggest names in the sport.”
“The All Blacks have only played the USA three times and all of those games have been spread out over a long time, so having the chance to play in the States itself and particularly in Chicago, a city with so much sporting history, as well, is really exciting,” All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said.
“Tactically, obviously when you have a different opposition – in any sport – you have got to appreciate what they do and what they bring and make sure you have got the tools in the toolbox to combat that.”
The match at Soldier Field will be the seventh time Chicago hosted the Eagles since 1976. Rockne Stadium hosted the likes of France, Canada, and Japan while the Eagles played Canada and Wales at Toyota Park in 2008.
“We are thrilled to host the New Zealand All Blacks and the USA Rugby Eagles at Soldier Field this fall,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
“This international event will be welcomed by our many sports enthusiasts and is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our great city to the rest of the world.”
Soldier Field, opened in 1924, is home to National Football League’s Chicago Bears and seats more than 63,000 spectators. The Bears have a bye week leading up to the Eagles’ match and are away from home on either side of the Test.
Chicago has professional sport organisations in each of the five major sports leagues in the US.
“USA Rugby is continuously looking to host events in new areas of the country and could not be happier with the prospect of playing in one of the most iconic venues in America,” Melville said.
“Chicago has been thirsty for international rugby for some time; I’m positive the city and the American rugby community will welcome both teams and fans from not only the US but around the world with open arms.”
“We think Chicago and Soldier Field is a great fit for both sides,” Tew said.
“I visited Soldier Field recently and this is a stadium with a huge atmosphere, rich history and wonderful facilities and a ground which has never hosted a rugby match, so this will be an unforgettable afternoon of sports action.”
“Hosting this prestigious international rugby match is an honour,” Chicago Sports Commission Interim Executive Director Kara Bachman said.
“It’s extremely meaningful for Chicago and a testament to the great vision and work of our CVB under CEO Don Welsh’s leadership that major, internationally-renowned teams like the New Zealand All Blacks want to come here.”
The Eagles’ match against the All Blacks on NBC will be the first international rugby match to be broadcast on national network television since the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011.
NBC will also broadcast next year’s World Cup in England.
“We are excited to have the defending World Cup Champion New Zealand All Blacks back on NBC versus Team USA,” said Jon Miller, President of programming, NBC and NBCSN.
“The match-up between these two prestigious rugby teams will take place exactly one year to the date of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final, which will also air on NBC.”
In conjunction with the announcement, USA Rugby and AIG will be introducing the Rookie Rugby program to more than 200 schools and community organisations in the greater Chicagoland area this year to spread the rugby culture.
Rookie Rugby is USA Rugby’s non-contact, flag version of rugby aimed at teaching young athletes the game and the importance of teamwork and respect for opponents, coaches, and referees alike.
“The meeting of these two teams for only the third time in 100 years on US soil represents a tremendous milestone for the sport of rugby, and is an embodiment of AIG’s ongoing global commitment to the sport,” Joseph Fitzpatrick, President, Midwest Region for AIG Property Casualty, said.
“We are proud to stand behind both teams, and are thrilled to partner together to support the advancement of rugby throughout the world and here at home in Chicago.”
The match will be broadcast live from Chicago on NBC Saturday, Nov. 1, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30pm CT. Tickets will be released to the general public on June 16.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.