United Rugby Championship (URC) chief executive Martin Anayi has confirmed that an Irish side playing a match in the USA is on the cards, but it is unlikely to be an Interpro clash.
The URC bigwigs are keen to host a fixture in the USA, specifically Boston, as they look to capitalise on interest in the States.
However, the need to satisfy local ticket holders means that it is unlikely that a big interpro clash will be hosted outside of Ireland.
USA interest in Irish Rugby
“Out of all the leagues, I think we’ve got the most resonance in the States,” Anayi told the media.
“We actually generate the most amount of money from the TV deal in the States than any of the other leagues. I think it shows that certainly an Irish element of the audience is significant in the United States, and they would absolutely support our teams going over there and playing.”
Anayi revealed that the URC is exploring their options of hosting a match in the US but explained some of the stumbling blocks.
“We’ve been in discussions with people over in Boston, but I can’t find the right date,” he explained.
“I know that sounds really silly, but it’s about getting the timing right with the venue. You’ve got Major League Baseball over certain parts of the season. So it’s about getting the right date and making sure that our clubs here really want to do that.
“Taking an Interpro though like a Munster v Leinster game, it’s a whole different kettle of fish, isn’t it?
“One of the key reasons why somebody puts the hard-earned money into a season ticket is because they want to go see a game at Thomond Park or the Aviva Stadium, so I think it would be hard to take a Munster v Leinster game away.
“But there might be other combinations that could work out there. We haven’t found the right solution yet, so we don’t want to do it without everybody (on board).”
Women’s URC league
Anayi also elaborated on the possibility of the URC developing its own women’s league and the potential for a European women’s competition akin to the Champions Cup.
“We’re really keen on talking to the Premier 15s and learning a lot of lessons from their learning through the process the RFU have run with that,” he said.
“We want to be really integrated at union level and at World Rugby level. Lots and lots of conversations are ongoing. The desire is absolutely there. I think there comes a point where you have to piece this all together and say, ‘right, this is what we’re going to do’.
“We’re really keen to see an EPCR women’s competition of some description as well…We’re trying to talk to our French colleagues, and as I say, we’re already talking to the Premier 15s. There has absolutely got to be a competition in there somewhere, we just want to make sure that it’s as sustainable as possible.”
READ MORE: Leinster v Munster: United Rugby Championship preview as Dubliners set to edge improving visitors in tight affair
Click Here: Cheap France Rugby Jersey