Las Vegas considered as host for 2029 Lions warm-up fixture

The British and Irish Lions are considering playing a warm-up fixture in Las Vegas before their 2029 tour to New Zealand. This potential match is part of a broader ‘golden decade’ for rugby union in Australia, which encompasses the 2025 Lions tour as well as the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups. Las Vegas is among multiple cities in the United States being evaluated as a potential venue for a significant match on American soil, as the touring team seeks to introduce new elements to its schedule. Incorporating a stop in the USA would serve to interrupt the long journey to New Zealand, which stands as the furthest of the Lions’ three touring locations, while also presenting a prominent commercial prospect. The Lions’ upcoming tour is scheduled for Australia in 2025. During their 2017 tour of New Zealand, the Lions squad, affected by jet lag, secured a hard-fought 13-7 victory against a Provincial Barbarians team. This match occurred after a 48-hour trip from London to Auckland, which included short breaks in Dubai and Melbourne. In contrast, on their previous visit to Australia in 2013, the team played against the Barbarians in Hong Kong. This particular stop was strategically chosen due to its proximity to the headquarters of the team’s primary sponsor at that time. The Lions are scheduled to face Argentina in Dublin on 20 June next year, as part of their journey to Australia. The Lions competed against the Barbarians in Hong Kong under extremely hot conditions during their 2013 tour to Australia. The schedule for next summer features three Test matches against the Wallabies, alongside a game against a combined team representing Australia and New Zealand. Las Vegas has actively expanded its role as a host for major sporting events in recent years, having staged the NFL’s Super Bowl, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the NBA’s In-Season tournament this year. The Oakland Athletics baseball franchise is the most recent major team to announce its relocation to the city, joining established top-tier American football and ice hockey teams. Furthermore, the city has previously hosted rugby league events, and in March of next year, Las Vegas is set to be the location for a four-game event. This event will feature two NRL fixtures, specifically Wigan versus Warrington, and a match between England’s women’s team and their Australian counterparts. A potential Lions warm-up match in the United States in 2029 could contribute to a series of initiatives aimed at increasing engagement with rugby union in the country, leading up to the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups hosted there. New Zealand and Ireland are scheduled to compete in Chicago in autumn 2025. Additionally, the 2030 installment of the new biennial Rugby Nations Championship, which is slated to commence in 2026, represents another potential event to be held in the United States.