England Rugby Set for Historic Summer Tour: Clash Against USA in Washington Highlights Schedule

England's Summer Tour Takes Shape with USA Test in Washington

England Rugby has confirmed an exciting addition to their 2024 summer tour schedule, with a Test match against the United States set for July 19 at Washington DC's Audi Field (capacity: 20,000). This fixture comes as the final stop of England's tour, following a two-Test series against Argentina in early July.

Historical Context and Rankings

• England currently ranks nine places above the USA in World Rugby's official rankings
• The teams have met nine times previously, with England maintaining a perfect record
• Their most recent encounter in 2021 saw England prevail 43-29

Tour Significance With England's top players likely unavailable due to British and Irish Lions commitments in Australia, this match presents head coach Steve Borthwick with valuable opportunities:

• Develop squad depth ahead of the next World Cup cycle
• Give playing time to emerging talents
• Experiment with tactical approaches

USA Rugby's Progress Despite missing qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the United States has shown recent improvement:

• Notched victories over Tonga and Portugal in autumn tests
• Preparing to host the 2031 (Men's) and 2033 (Women's) Rugby World Cups
• Part of a strategic push to grow rugby's popularity stateside

Additional Tour Highlights

• The match will be part of a double-header event, with the USA women's team facing Fiji afterward
• England's women will meet the USA in their 2025 Women's World Cup opener
• Other notable summer fixtures include New Zealand vs. Ireland in Chicago (November 1)

Development Focus World Rugby chair Brett Robinson emphasized the importance of such tours: "This test series reflects our ambition to build a sustainable competition calendar that enhances performance, attracts new audiences, and fuels rugby's growth globally."