USA Rugby says the pre-season match between the Bulls and Stormers will be a significant boost for rugby in America.
The South African franchises will clash at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles on 3 February in a Super Rugby warm-up match and former USA Eagles player Dan Lyle, who is now director of AEG Rugby, says it will impact the US market positively.
‘Super Rugby not only represents five countries with strong rugby pedigrees who have cultural ties to the United States; as a league, it represents a dynamic style of sport that will appeal to US sports fans,’ Lyle said.
‘While the broadcast of sport is paramount, experiencing the pace and power of rugby firsthand and in person is second to none.’
It will be the first match between two Super Rugby sides in America and USA Rugby confirmed it hoped the continued growth and interest in rugby in Southern California will create an atmosphere that is sure to entice audiences at StubHub Center during the game.
Bulls director of rugby and former USA Eagles coach, John Mitchell, said he is looking forward to returning to America.
‘This trip comes at a vital time for us, as we will be far into our pre-season preparations for the 2018 season and there’s no doubt that members of our squad will be looking to assert themselves,’ said Mitchell.
‘Rugby lovers attending the double-header can expect to be entertained by these two Super Rugby giants.’
POLL: Is it a good idea for @BlueBullsRugby and @THESTORMERS to play a @SuperRugby pre-season friendly in the USA?
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) December 14, 2017
Photo: Betram Malgas/Gallo Images