NZRU to take All Blacks to the USA

With the US Eagles having just faced the Maori All Blacks in front of a sold-out crowd at PPL Park in Philadelphia, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is currently negotiating a deal for the All Blacks to play in the USA next November.

The game would be the equivalent of this year's test against Japan in Tokyo, played en route to the UK for All Blacks regular end-of-year tour. It would also significantly strengthen the relationship with US-based major sponsors AIG.

New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew told Fairfax NZ that negotiations are advanced around the fixture, which would be the All Blacks' first match in the United States in the professional era.

Tew explained "Japan was very successful, we were very happy with that, and we will be looking for a similar game in North America this time next year.

"We're advanced (in discussions) but there's still a bit to go. The hardest thing actually is who we play. We've got to sort that out first and foremost."

Fairfax NZ suggest that the opponent is problematic because the fixture falls outside the International Rugby Button's player release window.

However, Tew said the fixture, unlike Japan which made a small profit, would be a "revenue generator."

Like the Maori game, however, an All Blacks game in the US would be backed by the AIG, a strong backer of rugby in the US.

As the most recognisable and valuable brand in rugby, fixtures against the All Blacks are prized by their hosts and, sometimes, rather difficult to secure.

13th October 2012 - NZRU AGREES TO ALL BLACKS SHIRT SPONSORSHIP