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."