All Blacks confirmed to play Ireland in Chicago

  • 17/02/2016
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Getty Images)
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Getty Images)

The All Blacks are returning to Chicago, to play Ireland in a Test in November which forms part of an international double-header.

The two nations will meet at Soldier Field on November 5, one day after the Maori All Blacks play the United States at nearby Toyota Park, New Zealand Rugby announced.

The All Blacks played the United States in Chicago in 2014, winning 74-6.

The world champions haven't played Ireland since their nail-biting 24-22 win in Dublin in 2013, highlighted by a last-gasp try. Since then, Ireland's New Zealand coach Joe Schmidt has steered them to two Six Nations crowns and a quarter-final exit from the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby is trying to forge a closer commercial relationship with the United States, which has a fast-growing rugby base.

Chief executive Steve Tew says the Test two years ago was a sold-out success, prompting both organisations to explore the prospect of further Tests.

"We have very fond memories of playing in Chicago in 2014," Tew said.

"We really appreciated the efforts of the city in rolling out the welcome mat for rugby. We know American fans had a very special experience and we expect a whole new group of fans to enjoy what will be a unique showcase of top class rugby over consecutive days."

The Maori All Blacks will play their fourth game against the USA Eagles, having last played them in 2013, when they won 29-19 in Philadelphia.

Toyota Park is a 30,000-seat suburban stadium which is home to Major League Soccer club the Chicago Fire.

USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville expects the double-header to generate enormous interest.

"The city and its fans have shown the world how passionate they are about the sport, and we think this weekend will again take the game's popularity to another level."

USA schedule Maori All Blacks v USA Eagles, Toyota Park, Chicago, November 4All Blacks End of Year Tour All Blacks v Ireland, Soldier Field, Chicago, November 5 All Blacks v Italy, Rome, venue TBC, November 12 All Blacks v Ireland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, November 19 All Blacks v France, Stade de France, Paris, November 26

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