Exiles explore idea of staging Premiership match in Boston
PREMIERSHIP side London Irish have announced they are exploring the possibility of following the lead set by capital rivals Saracens and hosting a fixture abroad.
In a bid to open fresh revenue streams, the Exiles have already identified Boston, Massachusetts as a potential location to stage a Premiership or Heineken Cup tie.
Last season Wasps played an LV Cup game against Harlequins in Abu Dhabi, while Premiership champions Sarries are set play their Heineken Cup pool match against Biarritz in Cape Town. And Irish’s director of rugby, Toby Booth, believes clubs are well within their rights to capitalise on the opportunity to raise their profile overseas.
“If we can expand the game globally then I think that would a good thing,” Booth said.
“If we can highlight the quality of rugby or the quality of competition, whether it be Heineken Cup, Premiership or whatever, then that should be welcomed and encouraged.
“I think we’d like to look further afield than Ireland. We’ve talked about taking a fixture elsewhere. It would be good to look at somewhere with some historical resonance, like Boston. It’s a pie in the sky at the moment but it would be fantastic.”