April 30, 2016
USA Men’s Eagles Series Against Russia and Italy
USA Rugby Press Release: April 29, 2016
LAFAYETTE, Colo. – The USA Men’s Eagles rugby union national team’s Summer Series matches against Italy and Russia in northern California this June will be broadcast exclusively live to viewers in the United States on TheRugbyChannel.tv, the groundbreaking, over-the-top video platform created by Rugby International Marketing.
TheRugbyChannel.tv was launched in early April with live broadcasts of matches from the Guinness PRO12 competition, the World Rugby U20 Trophy and the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, along with highlight shows and classic matches from the archives of USA Rugby, England Rugby and the Rugby World Cup.
As well as being Head Coach John Mitchell’s first test match against a Tier One opponent since his hire in January, the June 18 matchup between the U.S. and Italy will be the first international test to be broadcast live on TheRugbyChannel.tv. The Saturday evening kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT (9 p.m. ET) in San Jose, California’s Avaya Stadium.
“We are excited to showcase these amazing matches on TheRugbyChannel.tv,” said USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville. “It is a historic moment for TheRugbyChannel.tv to host their first ever live stream of an international test match – and even more so that it will feature the USA Eagles! I know our fans will be happy to be able to view these matches from anywhere in the world, even if they’re on their phones.”
Bonney Field has hosted three international rugby matches since opening in the spring of 2014 and has been a welcome home to the Eagles, who have won both of their tests in Sacramento. The Golden State’s capital will welcome Russia’s national team to the U.S. for the first time since 2010 for a 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET) kickoff Saturday, June 25.
The creation of a first-of-its-kind Eagles Elite Training Squad this spring, combined with the start of the first-ever professional rugby union competition in the U.S. in PRO Rugby, has given top-level American athletes the goals and targets for which to strive for future national team selection. The increased exposure to be gained from appearing on The Rugby Channel will continue with the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games, where Rugby Sevens will make its debut.
TheRugbyChannel.tv provides rugby supporters in the U.S. with a unique digital platform encompassing some of the most elite competitions in the world. Subscriptions start at just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, and all new subscribers receive a free 30-day trial upon registration.
Seats are still available at both Avaya Stadium and Bonney Field for the Eagles’ matches. Tickets for both clashes in northern California are available for purchase via Ticketmaster, starting at $18 in San Jose and $23 in Sacramento. To purchase tickets to either match, visit usarugby.org/tickets.
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 http://www.usarugby.org for more information.
