“San Jose is excited to welcome international rugby back to the capital of Silicon Valley for the second consecutive year,” said San Jose Sports Authority Executive Director Patricia Ernstrom. “We are proud of our continuing partnership with USA Rugby and we look forward to welcoming fans from our region and across the country to Avaya Stadium and the rugby hotbed of northern California for another world-class rugby match this June.”
Italy returns to America for the first time since 2012, when the Eagles suffered a 30-10 loss at Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium. Following recent trips from Tier One nations and Rugby World Cup 2015 Finalists Australia and New Zealand, Italy represents the U.S.’s only Tier One matchup of 2016, to be played June 18 at San Jose’s Avaya Stadium.
Rugby has become the fastest growing team sport in the United States and recently, the first-ever professional rugby competition was created with two of the inaugural five teams based in the Bay Area (Sacramento and San Francisco). The fast-paced, hard-hitting sport is already one of the most watched around the world and is growing in popularity right here in the United States. A treat for fans of all ages, the USA Eagles match vs. Italy is the perfect opportunity to introduce the entire family to the newest Olympic competition and the future of American sports.