On July 19, 2025, Audi Field in Washington, D.C., hosted a pivotal doubleheader event that signaled USA Rugby’s ongoing effort to grow the sport domestically ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The evening featured a marquee test match between the U.S. men’s national rugby team and the visiting England squad, paired with a women’s international between the USA Eagles and Fiji. The matches were designed not only to offer fans high-caliber rugby, but also to build momentum toward the United States hosting its first men’s World Cup in 2031, and the women’s edition two years later.
The U.S. men’s team entered the contest following mixed results earlier in their summer campaign. They posted a solid win over Belgium and a narrow loss to Spain. Head coach Scott Lawrence emphasized the match against England as a learning opportunity, focusing on long-term program development. He noted that the results were part of a broader growth curve and stressed the importance of integrating young talent into the system. Veteran scrum-half Nate Augspurger, earning his 51st cap, highlighted the role of Major League Rugby (MLR) in preparing players for the international stage, calling it a crucial stepping stone for aspiring Eagles.
England arrived in Washington undefeated in their 2025 summer tour, having secured back-to-back wins in Argentina and a convincing performance against a French XV. Head coach Steve Borthwick used the tour to experiment with player combinations, including fielding several uncapped athletes. Rising talents like Max Ojomoh, Joe Carpenter, and Gabriel Oghre joined the squad alongside stalwarts such as George Ford, who continues to provide strategic leadership at fly-half. The fixture was viewed as an ideal opportunity for England to deepen their bench strength while testing combinations in a competitive international setting.
Audi Field, a 20,000-seat venue more commonly known as the home of MLS side D.C. United, once again proved a successful site for international rugby. Attendance exceeded 19,000, surpassing previous records for rugby matches held at the stadium. The crowd was energized by a mix of American rugby supporters, curious sports fans, and a contingent of England fans who traveled or reside in the U.S. The event was part of a broader effort by USA Rugby and World Rugby to position the United States as a rising force in global rugby, both competitively and commercially.
Off the field, the doubleheader was bracketed by community and promotional events. A pre-match reception at the British Embassy and a USA Rugby Gala near the National Mall brought together athletes, stakeholders, and dignitaries. Prominent figures in U.S. rugby, such as Ilona Maher, who recently won an ESPY Award, used the moment to further elevate the sport’s visibility. Her rising media profile, along with recent successes in women’s rugby, helped drive ticket sales and press coverage, especially for the women’s match against Fiji.
World Rugby officials in attendance described the event as a model for future engagement in the American market. CEO Alan Gilpin praised the atmosphere and logistics, noting that these types of showcases are essential for building rugby’s infrastructure ahead of the 2031 and 2033 World Cups. USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of consistent test match exposure, commercial sponsorships, and youth development programs to ensure the sport’s sustainable growth in the United States.
The match itself delivered competitive rugby, with both teams showcasing physicality and tactical intent. Although England emerged victorious, the U.S. team was praised for their resilience and effort. Several players made promising debuts, and the coaching staff pointed to improved cohesion and conditioning. The England side used the match to cap off a successful summer tour, reinforcing their squad depth and continuing their preparations for the next global cycle.
For the USA, the takeaway was more than just the scoreline. The experience of facing a top-tier opponent on home soil offered valuable data points ahead of upcoming Pacific Nations Cup fixtures and further test matches. With a clear trajectory toward the 2031 Rugby World Cup, matches like this are seen as critical stepping stones in achieving competitive parity on the global stage.
As USA Rugby looks ahead, the Audi Field doubleheader stands as a milestone event. By pairing men’s and women’s international fixtures, filling a major venue, and attracting global rugby attention, the organization demonstrated both ambition and progress. With continued investment and development, officials hope that by the time the World Cup arrives on American soil, the Eagles—men and women alike—will be ready not just to host, but to compete at the highest level.
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