Lions Contemplate Las Vegas Fixture for 2029 Tour!

The British & Irish Lions are exploring the opportunity to play a match in Las Vegas as part of their scheduled tour to New Zealand in 2029. Other locations being considered include Los Angeles and Japan. Preliminary discussions have already taken place between the Lions and the New Zealand Rugby Union regarding this potential fixture. The interest in Las Vegas is particularly notable due to its commercial appeal and the growing popularity of rugby in the United States. This consideration comes in the wake of the United States being awarded the Rugby World Cup in 2031, which is expected to enhance the profile of rugby across the nation. The All Blacks, New Zealand's national team, have been actively working to boost their presence in the U.S. market, aiming to create more commercial opportunities. Historically, warm-up matches for the Lions' tours have been more easily organized due to new agreements with Premiership Rugby, allowing players to be available earlier in the summer. In the past, the Lions have played various warm-up matches, including a notable encounter against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, signifying the appetite for fixtures that can showcase rugby in non-traditional locations. Given the demographic composition of Las Vegas and nearby Utah—home to a large Polynesian community—a fixture in this location could not only draw interest from fans but could also significantly enhance the appeal of rugby on a broader scale in the region.