England add USA Test to summer tour

England will face the United States in Washington, D.C. on July 19th, marking the final stop of their summer tour. The match is scheduled to take place at Audi Field, which has a seating capacity of 20,000. Currently, England, led by Steve Borthwick, holds a world ranking nine places higher than their American hosts, setting the stage for a competitive encounter.

Prior to this, England is confirmed to play two test matches against Argentina, on July 5th in La Plata and July 12th in San Juan. England boasts a perfect record against the United States, having won all nine of their previous encounters, the most recent being a 43-29 victory in 2021. This historical dominance adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming match.

Similar to 2021, England will likely be without their strongest lineup, as key players will be selected for the British and Irish Lions tour in Australia. This match presents a crucial opportunity for Borthwick to build team depth and provide valuable playing time for younger players, potentially shaping the future of the England squad. The focus will be on identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

The United States team failed to qualify for the recent Rugby World Cup held in France, but secured victories against Tonga and Portugal in the fall. With the United States set to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup, bringing top-tier teams to the country is part of a strategic effort by event organizers to develop the sport ahead of these major tournaments. This initiative aims to raise the profile of rugby in the US and inspire future generations of players.

This match will form part of a double-header with a USA Women’s Eagles match against Fiji in the second game, with Fiji also being England’s first opponent in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, stated: “This test series reflects our ambition to establish a sustainable calendar that raises standards, engages new fans and propels the sport’s development.” The summer schedule also includes matches for the USA against the Netherlands and Spain, highlighting a commitment to expanding rugby's global reach.