All Blacks to Play Fiji in San Diego: Tix Presale on Now
All Blacks to Play Fiji in San Diego: Tix Presale on Now
The USA will be the neutral-site host for a major rugby international July 19 when San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium hosts New Zealand vs Fiji.
The Friday night game will kick off at 7:30PM on July 19 and is part of the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series. This will be the fifth time the All Blacks have played in the USA since 2014, having played the USA on a North American tour in 1913. They didn't visit the United States again until 101 years later, beating the Eagles in 2014 at Soldier Field, but then returned to play Ireland two years later at the same stadium. In 2021 they played the USA in Washington DC (winning comfortably). Fiji last played on US soil in 1999 in San Francisco, where they lost to the Eagles 25-14.
The match between the two Pacific nations will pair with an upcoming series of Men’s and Women’s USA Eagles home events, drawing rugby fans from all over the country for a sensational summer of rugby. This is part of USA Rugby's and World Rugby's work to produce World Cup-like weekends to somewhat test the system as the Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 are around the corner.
"We have had a lack of international fixtures over the last 18 months, but this match will be a great addition to a huge year for rugby in the United States as we host New Zealand and Fiji alongside upcoming events for our USA Men’s and Women’s National Teams,' said USA Rugby CEO Ross Young. "This game will give us a real taste of things to come and will be a key part in kick starting growth and excitement at all levels ahead of hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033.”
New Zealand rugby legend Ma’a Nonu, who has played 103 Tests for the All Blacks and recently signed on for another season with the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby, and Fijian legend Waisale Serevi, a member of the World Rugby Hall of Fame, are in San Diego to announce the match alongside key members of the San Diego Legion.
Presale to USA Rugby Members is open now here (use code USABF to access the presale)>> General public tickets go on sale 9:00AM PST Friday, February 2.
“We’re really excited to be taking the All Blacks to San Diego to play Fiji," said New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson. "It’s been a long-held ambition for New Zealand Rugby and part of our wider strategy to increase the visibility and understanding of rugby in North America and to build our brand presence ahead of the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively. The All Blacks and Fiji share a deep connection to the game of rugby and to the Pacific region and we’d like to thank USA Rugby and our event partner TEG Rugby Live for embracing the opportunity to bring this Test to America.
“We want to deliver an event that will capture the imagination of sports fans across the United States and showcases the best qualities of our game. It promises to be unique and entertaining afternoon of rugby and Pacific culture, and a great advertisement for the game.”
Added Fiji Rugby Special Administrator, Simione Valenitabua: “The Trustees of the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board (FRFUTB) view this upcoming test as a significant opportunity for the development of rugby. Playing against a top-tier nation not only enhances the skill and experience of our players but also opens more avenues for Fiji to engage in matches against esteemed teams like the All Blacks. This move aligns with our commitment to advancing the sport's growth and providing thrilling rugby experiences for our global fan base.”
“This test against the All Blacks by our FIJI Water Flying Fijians, will draw Fijians domestically in the USA and internationally from all over the world, including our people back home in Fiji. All Fijians will relish this opportunity to watch our FIJI Water Flying Fijians and overseas players, as well as the new coaching team to be announced soon, set a benchmark for the next Rugby World Cup cycle up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.”
