Border rules bar ‘Death Star’ rugby show

Article posted by Coliseum, September 28^th, 2021

Image: Allegiant Stadium

The 2021 Las Vegas Rugby Cup between USA and Ireland scheduled for October 30^th at the astounding Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas (US) has been canceled. The continued border restrictions on entry into the United States from Ireland and the United Kingdom have presented insurmountable logistical challenges for the Irish team to fulfill the fixture.

The 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium is a domed stadium located in Paradise, Nevada, United States. It serves as the home stadium for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels college football team. Located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, Allegiant Stadium is a global events destination, highlighted by the arrival of the NFL’s iconic Raiders in 2020. Allegiant Stadium, which won the ‘Best Venue’ honors at the 2020 World Football Summit Industry Awards, is ideally located for both visitors and locals, fully enclosed and climate-controlled. The technologically advanced stadium will host world-class entertainment including concerts and sporting events.

The ‘Allegiant Stadium’ stated the vision for the 2021 Las Vegas Rugby Cup is 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 November 1^st, 2021.

Said USA Rugby CEO Ross Young, “We’re obviously extremely disappointed to hear this match is unable to take place as scheduled in 2021. 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.”

Philip Browne, Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) CEO, commented, “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.”

The ‘Allegiant Stadium’ further stated that any fans that 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.

More announcements in the form of updates for 2022 will follow in due course.

USA Rugby is the national governing body for the sport of rugby union in the United States. Its role is to serve as “the national governing body charged with achieving and maintaining high levels of quality in all aspects of rugby”.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is the governing body for rugby union in the island of Ireland. The IRFU is responsible for all aspects of the game from schools and clubs to the professional and international teams. Its role is to promote the game of rugby and the values of the sport at every level of the game.

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