IRFU hit jackpot as Ireland book Las Vegas date
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Cash-strapped IRFU chiefs have hit the jackpot as Andy Farrell's Ireland are to head to Las Vegas ahead of the November series.
The clash with the US Eagles at the Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, October 30 - the home of the LA Raiders - will help Farrell's squad prepare for their November series at the Aviva Stadium.
However it will also help out the IRFU, given the financial black hole that has been caused by the Covid crisis as big club games and Test matches have been played in empty stadiums since last August.
There will be 3,000 fans at the summer series meetings with Japan and the US in Dublin next month, and the IRFU will hope that many more will be permitted to attend the November fixtures, with the All Blacks set to play at Lansdowne Road.
James Ryan made his international debut against the US Eagles in New Jersey in 2017 - even before he had made his Leinster bow - and is Ireland captain for the forthcoming July tests.
Ryan said: “Anytime we have played in the US we have had tremendous support either travelling from Ireland or Irish Rugby fans based in America.
"We have been lucky to experience some great cities and stadia on our recent trips across the Atlantic but Las Vegas will be special and to be the first rugby game to be played at the Allegiant Stadium will just make it an even bigger occasion for players and fans alike."
Ireland boss Farrell added: “Over the past few years we have had some incredible experiences playing in the US.
"We had two very memorable trips to Chicago which included beating the All Blacks at Soldier Field for the first time in our history and our last fixture against the Eagles in New Jersey was another fantastic rugby experience.
"We are looking forward to the game in October and to reconnecting with Irish rugby fans in the US."
US Men's head coach Gary Gold commented: “Following an eventful summer, this fixture is exactly the growth we’re excited to see, for our Men’s Eagles matching up with Ireland for a second time this year, particularly on home soil, gives us a lot to look forward to.
"Las Vegas has always put a spotlight on rugby, where we’re excited to follow our Rugby World Cup qualification fixtures on such a big stage.”
