USA, Canada to play Vegas Test on eve of NRL double-header
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USA and Canada will meet in a Test in Las Vegas on the eve of the NRL's historic season opening double header at Allegiant Stadium.
The Test, which will be played on March 1, is the latest event scheduled in what is fast becoming a festival of rugby league in Las Vegas based around the March 2 double-header featuring the Broncos, Rabbitohs, Roosters and Sea Eagles.
The NRL will host an NFL-style combine for male and female athletes on the day of the double-header, along with a Vegas 9s tournament for North American men's and women's teams on February 29 and March 1.
A Rugby League Masters tournament is also being planned, featuring Australia, Canada and the USA.
The NRL recently sent Rabbitohs back Campbell Graham, Sea Eagles prop Aaron Woods, Roosters recruit Spencer Leniu and Broncos hooker Billy Walters to Las Vegas on a promotional tour.
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The Test between the USA and Canada at the Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas on March 1 will the first clash between the North American neighbours since Canada beat USA 22-10 in Tampa in November 2022.
Canada Rugby League president John Cameron said the NRL double-header was a great opportunity for the game in North America.
“With the NRL crossing the Pacific to play in Las Vegas, we're more than happy to partake with an international of our own,” Cameron said.
"Our last meeting provided an entertaining and competitive match and there is a real, genuine rivalry between us that I’m sure fans will enjoy.”
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USA are coached by former North Sydney Bears and Canberra Raiders forward Sean Rutgerson, who now lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
“It should be a great experience for the players to be part of such a major event and hopefully we get some good exposure," Rutgerson said.
"We look forward to putting on a great performance and continuing to the grow the game to our home audience.”
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The USA's most recent outing was against Jamaica in Kingston last month, with the Hawks running out 30-26 winners.
The Test will be played after the NRL's Vegas 9s tournament for male and female teams from North America on February 29 and March 1.
Applications are now open for clubs wanting to take part.
The NRL will also hold an NFL-style Combine in Las Vegas on March 2, with 25 male and 25 female athletes from North America to take part in a series of physical testing and skills assessment.
After the Combine, two male and two female athletes with the potential to play in the NRL or NRLW will be offered the opportunity to train with an elite team in Australia and showcase their talents to clubs.
