Rugby: London Irish-Saracens, the first English Premiership rugby match played in the USA

Red Bull Arena in Harrison (New Jersey, USA), home of the New York Red Bulls (MLS), hosted a match in the Aviva Premiership (English professional rugby first division) between London Irish - Saracens (16-26), on 12/03/2016. 14,811 spectators attended the match at the 25,000 capacity stadium, a fill rate of 59.2%.

"It is important to build some stability and continuity in the event, which is why it will probably be at the same time, in the same venue (next season). It just gives us a bit more of a platform with the US public. I understand Saracens have had a very good week and are very keen to be involved again and they have a number of American partners. But I expect with the success this week there will certainly be more interest and we will have to manage that," said Mark McCafferty, chief executive of Premiership Rugby, the body which manages the English professional rugby leagues, to the Guardian on 14/03/2016.

"It's a start. I think everybody knows how huge a market the US is and how huge a sports market it is. People are blessed with a lot of choice and opportunity here in a…