As expected, the IRFU and USA rugby have confirmed that the scheduled Test match scheduled for Saturday, October 30th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas has been cancelled with focus now on rescheduling to October 2022.
As reported in The Irish Times earlier this week, travel restrictions between the two countries, which are not due to be lifted until November 1st, meant the game was always likely to be cancelled.
A statement by the IRFU read: “The continued border restrictions on entry into the United States from Ireland and the UK have presented insurmountable logistical challenges for the Irish team to fulfil the fixture.
“The vision for the 2021 Las Vegas Rugby Cup was for Irish and international rugby fans to descend on Las Vegas and create a global showcase for international rugby. That is not possible in October with border restrictions between Ireland, the UK and USA remaining in place until 1 November 2021.
“USA Rugby, the IRFU and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority are supportive of rescheduling the match to October 2022. As such, the event organisers will begin working with stakeholders to investigate rescheduling the event to October 2022.
Philip Browne, IRFU chief executive, said: "It's regrettable that the game won't be going ahead this October. From an IRFU point of view, the match presented the Irish team with another valuable Test match and the opportunity to experience the atmosphere at the impressive Allegiant Stadium. I am sure Irish supporters were excited at the prospect of seeing the team play in Las Vegas.
“Irish Rugby is committed to enhancing its connection with the Irish diaspora in the US and has played memorable fixtures in Chicago and New Jersey in recent seasons as we further expand the Irish rugby brand globally. We are very supportive at looking at rescheduling the fixture next year.”
"We're obviously extremely disappointed to hear this match is unable to take place as scheduled in 2021," said USA Rugby chief executive Ross Young.
“Learning about the impact of ever-changing travel restrictions was devastating, but unfortunately an all-too-common consequence for international sport over the past year and a half. Knowing that our men’s Eagles will still have the chance to host Ireland in a venue like Allegiant Stadium next year is encouraging and we look forward to seeing that event being confirmed and ultimately delivered as a bigger and better experience for everyone.”
Any fans who have purchased tickets will be offered a refund and are asked to contact their respective ticket purchase platform to secure a refund in accordance with the terms and conditions of the tickets purchased.
With Andy Farrell’s team due to fulfil its November fixtures against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina on the three ensuing weekends, it is possible that the IRFU will look to fill the void in the fixture list, perhaps by arranging an ‘A’ international against one of their European counterparts, although that could be difficult at such relatively short notice.
