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Chicago may not be getting a PRO Rugby team during the first go around, but have secured a fixture even more precious. The Windy City continues their run of hosting marquee matchups as it has been confirmed that Ireland will face off against the All Blacks on November 5th, 2016 at Soldier Field.
The historic matchup will be the third year in a row that Soldier Field has played host to a Tier 1 nation. The USA’s match against the All Blacks in 2014 was a sellout with over 61,000 in attendance. This past year, Australia paid visit en route to the World Cup and the match pulled in 23,000 fans despite the poor timing.
Rumors of this matchup began to swirl over the Summer with the match to be part of a double header that also included the USA taking on the New Zealand Maori. There has not been a confirmation on the USA/Maori match, but a doubleheader is expected that will involve the USA Eagles.
Ireland and New Zealand last faced each other in 2013 with the All Blacks staging a late comeback to win 24-22 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
