"Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby and the opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major determinant in where the fourth Test would be played," said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.
"With fans getting the opportunity to see the Boks in action against the All Blacks in three home Tests, the chance to share the excitement in the US is an exciting one, compounded by the fact that both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup will be heading to the USA in a few years' time.
"While the All Blacks have played in the USA often in the past, the Boks have only played there twice this millennium, and we're very excited to take them to Baltimore and engage with a developing rugby ecosystem."
Interim CEO of New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster said: “Having the opportunity to once again play in the US, less than a year after our last game, is exciting for the All Blacks and for New Zealand Rugby. The US is an important market for us and for rugby more broadly, as we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031. This will mark the fourth time the team has played in the US in five years, so it’s great to be in another new city to show sports fans the spectacle and excitement of rugby.
“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry aims to be unlike any other, and playing in a city with the potential to form a part of the 2031 Rugby World Cup just adds another layer to this tour. We look forward to welcoming fans of the All Blacks and the haka in Baltimore in September.”
World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin added: "Partnering with unions to bring world class content to key U.S cities is at the heart of the sport’s strategy to grow the market on the road to hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in the U.S in 2031 and 33.
“There are few bigger rivalries than New Zealand v South Africa, and to be able to showcase the best of our sport in Baltimore, one of 27 super engaged cities and regions in the Rugby World Cup hosting process, is an exciting prospect, inspiring more sports fans in the U.S to fall in love with rugby.”
The 71,000 capacity M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, has established itself as one of the premier sporting venues in North America. This will provide a dramatic backdrop for one of international sport’s most intense rivalries. The event is expected to attract fans from across the US and overseas, delivering a significant boost to the local economy and reinforcing Baltimore’s credentials as a global sports destination.
"The All Blacks–Springboks rivalry is one of the most iconic matchups in international rugby, and we’re thrilled to host these legendary teams at M&T Bank Stadium,” said Ravens president Sashi Brown. “Our incredible partnership with the State of Maryland, including its support for our ongoing stadium renovations, has helped position M&T Bank Stadium as a world-class venue. As one of a handful of premier global sporting events, this rugby match underscores our shared commitment to bringing world-class experiences to Baltimore.”
This should be a massive draw for US-based rugby fans. In addition, this is yet another proof-of-concept test for the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Will US-based fans buy tickets for this game? Will fans of the All Blacks and Springboks who don't get to see their team live take the opportunity to do so?
And also, it's highly likely that M&T Bank Stadium is on the list of potential RWC venues, so it's a test for that stadium, as ell.
Event Promoter TEG Rugby Live will deliver the event as part of its promotion deal with USA Rugby and with World Rugby.
"TEG Rugby Live has delivered major rugby events across the globe, including the five largest crowds ever to attend international rugby matches in the United States,” said Stephen Cottrell, Managing Director of TEG Rugby Live. “We are incredibly proud to partner with two of the world’s greatest teams, the Springboks and the All Blacks and thrilled to bring the fourth, and potentially series-deciding, Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry to Baltimore. M&T Bank Stadium will provide an unforgettable stage for this historic clash, and we anticipate strong demand when tickets go on sale on 29 January.”
