Eagles to Face State Toulousain in Utah in September
Eagles to Face State Toulousain in Utah in September
Following a three-match tour of Europe in August, the USA Men’s 15s Eagles will return home to host storied French club side, Stade Toulousain on September 17 at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
USA Rugby, The Rugby Alliance and Utah Warriors of Major League Rugby will partner to bring the landmark event to US soil, with tickets on sale now at usa.rugby/tickets. Broadcast information soon to follow.
"This match is very exciting news for the American rugby public, both hosting an internationally renowned team like Stade Toulousain, alongside the opportunity for our fans to see the Men's Eagles compete on home soil this year,” said USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young. “Utah and the Salt Lake City area are a thriving community of rugby supporters, an atmosphere we're ecstatic to return to. It's going to be a phenomenal event, one our fans definitely don't want to miss."
A collection of current and future Men’s Eagles will look to compete on home grounds in Utah, including Warriors Paul Mullen, Mika Kruse, Lance Williams, Joseph Mano, Thomas Tu’avano and Angus McClellan, all named to the 2023 extended player pool by Head Coach and General Manager, Scott Lawrence. Adding to the spirit of competition, Stade Toulousain prop David Ainu’u will look for the opportunity to compete against his club in a USA shirt.
Didier Lacroix, president of Stade Toulousain, shared his enthusiasm about the forthcoming match. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to play on American soil. It's a brilliant chance for us to expand the reach of Stade Toulousain and the great sport of rugby. The United States has an ever-growing rugby community that we're eager to engage with. We anticipate a fantastic game full of energy, passion, and mutual respect. We can't wait to hear the roar of the crowd at America First Field. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for all involved."
Kimball Kjar, CEO of the Utah Warriors and representative from The Rugby Alliance, recognizes this as an opportunity for families with young athletes to be exposed to the sport of rugby at its highest level. He also is proud to be part of bringing this rare experience to Utahns and those who travel from around the world.
“Bringing an event of this magnitude to the United States is an endeavor fueled by our dedication to uplift the spirit of this extraordinary sport on American soil,” said Kjar. “This is a chance of a lifetime for fans to experience the highest level of sport right here, live, to feel the energy, tension, and exhilaration that only a raw rugby match can deliver. We can’t wait to experience the packed stadium of rumbling fans cheering on these athletes at America First Field on September 17.”
Given the magnitude of this unique experience coming to Utah, The Rugby Alliance will host engaging and interactive events leading up to the game. Further details about this fan festival will be unveiled over the coming weeks as the match nears.
