R360 Rugby: Premiership Concerns Raised
- Premiership Rugby is considering staging a regular-season match in the United States, potentially during the 2025-26 season.
- the league may explore opportunities across the Atlantic in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup being held in the United States in 2031.
- Newcastle previously took a home game against Saracens to Philadelphia in 2017.
Premiership Rugby is actively exploring a strategic move: staging a regular-season game in the United States during the 2025-26 season. This bold initiative, prompted by the success of Bristol Bears’ high-attendance match, reflects the league’s forward-thinking approach. With the 2031 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Premiership Rugby is keenly assessing opportunities to expand it’s global footprint. News Directory 3 reports on the possibility of a club relocating a home game to a larger venue for elevated exposure and revenue. While a past attempt by newcastle in Philadelphia faced challenges, the league remains optimistic, especially with clubs like Saracens expressing interest.The 2025-26 season itself promises excitement, kicking off on a Thursday evening to accommodate scheduling needs. Discover what’s next as the league navigates these enterprising plans.
Premiership Rugby Eyes US Expansion for 2025-26 Season
Updated June 09, 2025
Premiership Rugby is considering staging a regular-season match in the United States, potentially during the 2025-26 season. This move follows Bristol’s successful “Big Game” initiative, which saw them host West Country rivals Bath at cardiff’s Principality Stadium, drawing a crowd of more than 51,000.
the league may explore opportunities across the Atlantic in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup being held in the United States in 2031. One club is seriously weighing the option of moving a home game to a larger venue for the 2025-26 season to increase exposure and revenue.
Newcastle previously took a home game against Saracens to Philadelphia in 2017. However,the event fell short of expectations,with fewer than a third of the 18,500 seats at Talen Energy Stadium filled.
Saracens have expressed interest in playing a game in the U.S.In September,then-chief executive Mark Thompson said the club would “certainly” consider it if the circumstances aligned.
The 2025-26 Premiership season will kick off on a thursday evening. The opening round has been adjusted to avoid conflicting with the Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
The season’s first matches will be held across Thursday, Sept. 25; Friday, Sept. 26; and Sunday, Sept. 28. Several clubs are interested in experimenting with the Thursday evening slot.
What’s next
Premiership Rugby will continue to evaluate the feasibility of a U.S. game, considering factors such as venue, logistics, and fan interest. Further details regarding the 2025-26 season schedule will be released in the coming months.