Premiership rugby side London Irish will play its Premiership home game against Saracens this season in N.Y., according to the PA. Irish and Premiership Rugby announced a move that will see Irish "tackle the Premiership champions" at the 25,000-capacity Red Bull Arena on March 12. It is the first Premiership fixture to be played overseas, and heads to the U.S., a country where rugby union is "currently the fastest-growing team sport." A concept of playing the so-called "39th game" outside of England "appeared to be an option for Premier League football in England seven years ago," but opposition from supporters proved a "key contributory factor" to it never happening. London Irish, though, "have no doubt that the venture will be a success," with the fixture taking place just five days before St. Patrick's Day and N.Y. having a "considerable Irish population." London Irish CEO Bob Casey said, "This is an enormous opportunity for London Irish and a chance for our club to gain exposure in one of the biggest sporting cities in the world. The New York region has a significant Irish community and is renowned for its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, so it's the perfect time for our club to venture into this market." Tickets will go on general sale this week, "while Irish are currently exploring supporter travel packages combining flights, airport transfers and accommodation." Premiership Rugby CEO Mark McCafferty added, "This is a significant day in the history of Premiership Rugby, and one that has taken a number of years and a lot of hard work to bring to fruition. ... There are ambitious plans to grow the game in the States, and this is the latest stage in that strategy" (PA, 10/27).
