In a move that could revolutionize international rugby, the British & Irish Lions are exploring the possibility of playing a match in Las Vegas as part of their highly anticipated 2029 tour of New Zealand. According to a source close to the ongoing discussions, the iconic touring side is weighing up the idea of staging a warm-up game in Sin City before heading to the Land of the Long White Cloud to face the mighty All Blacks.
A Historic First for the Lions
If the plans come to fruition, it would mark the first time in the storied history of the British & Irish Lions that they have played a match on American soil. The move is seen as a potential game-changer for the sport, as it seeks to expand its global reach and tap into new markets.
While Las Vegas is the frontrunner to host the landmark fixture, the source revealed that other U.S. cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles, are also under consideration. The Lions would likely face off against either the United States men’s national team or the Maori All Blacks in what would serve as a tantalizing appetizer before the main course in New Zealand.
Boosting Rugby’s Profile in the U.S.
The potential Lions match in America is being viewed as a strategic move to capitalize on the growing interest in rugby across the Atlantic. With the United States set to host the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, the sport’s powerbrokers are keen to build momentum and engage new fans in the lead-up to the tournament.
Playing a match in Las Vegas would provide a welcome boost to the commercial revenue for all parties involved. It’s an exciting prospect that could really help to put rugby on the map in America.
– Source close to the discussions
Following in the Footsteps of the All Blacks
The Lions wouldn’t be the first international rugby heavyweight to venture stateside in recent years. The All Blacks have previously tested the waters, playing a match against Fiji in San Diego in July as part of their ongoing efforts to grow the game globally.
While the Lions have never played in the U.S. before, they are no strangers to staging warm-up matches in exotic locations en route to their primary touring destination.
- In 2013, they faced the Barbarians in Hong Kong before heading to Australia
- In 2005, they took on Argentina in Cardiff prior to their New Zealand tour
- Ahead of their 2021 South Africa trip, they had a hit-out against Japan at Murrayfield
Las Vegas Emerging as a Rugby Hotspot
Although Las Vegas is more commonly associated with glitz, glamour, and casino culture, the city has been making inroads into the rugby world in recent times. While it has yet to host a major rugby union fixture, Vegas has already dipped its toes into the rugby league market.
In March of this year, the NRL (Australia’s premier rugby league competition) staged two regular-season matches at the state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium. The experiment was deemed a success, with the NRL committing to returning to Vegas in 2024.
Not to be outdone, the Super League (Europe’s top rugby league tournament) has also announced plans to bring a match between the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves to Las Vegas next year.
The Road Ahead
While the prospect of the Lions playing in Las Vegas is undoubtedly exciting, it’s important to note that the plans are still in their infancy. The source stressed that discussions are ongoing and that nothing has been set in stone just yet.
There’s a lot of work to be done behind the scenes to make this a reality. But there’s a genuine desire from all stakeholders to explore every avenue to help grow the game of rugby and take it to new audiences.
– Source involved in the planning process
As the rugby world watches on with bated breath, only time will tell if the British & Irish Lions will indeed make history by bringing their unique brand of magic to the bright lights of Las Vegas. One thing is for certain: if the plans do come to pass, it will be a spectacle unlike any other, as two worlds collide in the most unexpected of ways.
