6N MATCHES MAY BE PLAYED IN U.S. SAYS RUGBY CHIEF

ONE of the most senior figures in world rugby has suggested that Six Nations games could soon be staged in the United States.

- By JOHN JONES

The controversial proposal from World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin comes as the global governing body looks to grow the sport in the country ahead of the 2031 World Cup.

Preparations for the tournament are already gathering pace with World Rugby confirming that 27 cities and areas have applied to host games.

However, there is still big drive to grow the appeal of top-level rugby in the States, with Ireland's clash with New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night one such move.