Overview

• Ireland and New Zealand will meet at Soldier Field, Chicago, on November 1, 2025, in the opening match of the Autumn Nations Series.
• The venue holds historical significance as the site of Ireland's first-ever victory over the All Blacks in 2016, ending a 111-year winless streak against the team.
• Since that historic match, the two teams have developed a fierce rivalry, with each side winning five of their last ten encounters, including New Zealand’s 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal victory.
• The match is part of a broader effort to grow rugby's popularity in the U.S., which is set to host the 2031 Men's and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cups.
• The Autumn Nations Series will also feature major matchups, including England facing New Zealand at Twickenham and South Africa taking on France in a rematch of their 2023 World Cup quarterfinal clash.