SAN JOSE, Calif. – USA Rugby and the San Jose Earthquakes announced today that Avaya Stadium will play host to a rugby match between the United States and Italy on Saturday, June 18. It marks the United States’ only Tier One matchup of 2016.
“We are thrilled to bring USA Rugby back for a second time after a successful World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup last summer," said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. “Avaya Stadium has welcomed numerous terrific outside events since opening its doors in 2015 and we are excited to add this match to the list.”
Avaya Stadium held a double-header featuring Canada vs. Japan and USA vs. Samoa last July, drawing more than 10,000 fans. The Earthquakes second-year venue will also host the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in 2018.
“In early 2016 we have been able to bring exciting international rugby to fans new and old through the Eagles’ three home test matches in February,” said USA Rugby International Events Director Kellie Cavalier. "In June, we’re pleased to bring rugby back to the northern California region – an area of the country that loves watching the Eagles play – and to continue to work with local partners and the rugby community to host two more thrilling match-ups.”
Under new head coach John Mitchell, the USA Eagles have seen 24 international debuts in five matches of the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship competition. The rugby union national team drew with a fifth-ranked Argentina side before defeating Canada and Chile on home soil in February. Former New Zealand All Blacks coach Mitchell's charges finished the ARC as runners-up.
"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."
Tickets for the match will be released to the general public on March 17. Supporters and prospective ticket buyers can register interest for tickets and pre-sale opportunities through the USA Rugby Ticket Pre-sale Email List. Additionally, broadcast information and match kickoff times for the tests will be announced at a later date.
About USA Rugby
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 100,000 active members, with more than 35,000 playing collegiate rugby and 35,000 playing senior club rugby. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year as a service to its members. In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee announced Rugby Sevens (the seven-a-side version of the game) will appear in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Visit www.usarugby.org for more information.
About Avaya Stadium
Avaya Stadium is an 18,000-seat soccer-specific stadium located on Coleman Ave. adjacent to the San Jose International Airport. The European-inspired building is the first cloud-enabled venue in Major League Soccer and is among the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. The stadium features a canopy roof and the steepest-raked seating in MLS to provide the best possible fan experience. Additionally, the north end zone houses the largest outdoor bar in North America, a two-acre fan zone and a double-sided video scoreboard. The suites and club seats are located at field level, giving fans a premium experience unlike any other in professional sports. The stadium hosted numerous non-Major League Soccer events during its inaugural season in 2015, including the International Champions Cup, which featured Manchester United and Club America, a Send-Off Series match for the United States Women’s National Team ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup and the American Ultimate Disc League Championship Weekend. For more information about Avaya Stadium, visit sjearthquakes.com.
