All Blacks to play Ireland in Chicago rematch

· ALLBLACKS.COM · action press
Caleb Clarke Ireland
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the All Blacks will take on Ireland at Chicago’s Soldier Field this November in what is being dubbed the ‘Rematch’ - the highly anticipated clash fans have been waiting for since the teams met in the United States in 2016.

NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said:  

“We’re excited to be taking the All Blacks back to Chicago, and for it to be against Ireland is especially fitting. We have massive respect for the Irish, and recent history between our two teams means that this will be a highly anticipated match up. Both teams have passionate fans who will be keen to make an occasion of travelling to the game at such an iconic venue.”  

NZR was looking forward to bringing the game to American sports fans, with the event providing opportunity to grow rugby on a global scale and in the US, Robinson said.   

“Rugby is experiencing great momentum in the US, particularly with the upcoming Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, and with the growth of Major League Rugby. The US is part of our wider global strategy, and we’re looking forward to this match as part of our ongoing engagement with North America.”

  

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said:  

“This will be an epic rematch in one of the world’s great sporting cities. All Blacks supporters will remember well the last time we faced Ireland at this venue, which launched one of our fiercest modern rivalries. This is an awesome addition to our 2025 schedule; we look forward to bringing the team back to the US and being part of this sporting spectacle.” 

The rivalry between the teams goes back 120 years to the first time the two sides met in 1905, but has taken on an extra edge since Ireland beat the All Blacks for the first time in 2016 at Soldier Field, with a 40-29 win.  

Now, nearly a decade later, the All Blacks and Ireland return to the iconic Chicago venue to settle the score. Since the 2016 showdown, the two sides have battled it out in 10 Test matches, securing five wins apiece.  

The teams’ most recent Test saw the All Blacks win 23-13 in Dublin during the 2024 Northern Tour, but Ireland’s recent success includes an historic Grand Slam during their Six Nations campaign in 2023, and a series win in New Zealand in 2022.

Pre-sale tickets are on sale now and general ticket sales start on 22 February. Fans are encouraged to get in quick to secure their seats for this clash.  

The Chicago Rematch 

All Blacks v Ireland, Soldier Field, Chicago, kick-off 1 November 3pm CDT/2 November 9am NZDT.

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