0
The American Eagles will get two world class opponents - Ireland and Wales - during their mid-year international season.
Even though the Irish and Welsh will provide a substantial number of players to the British and Irish Lions, for their tour of South Africa, the two Home Unions will still be able to field top class fields that will test the ambitious Eagles outfit.
In announcing their mid-year schedule, the Eagles confirmed that they compete in their busiest domestic schedule to date.
"One of our goals was to increase the number of international opponents in order to make our national teams more competitive," US Rugby's CEO and President of Rugby, Nigel Melville said.
"This schedule is a very good step forward in many respects. We are playing stiff competition against top international sides, which is really the only way to gauge our development.
"And with the increased amount of matches across the US, as well as the number of games being broadcast, this is a great opportunity for fans to get behind the Eagles and create some momentum."
On May 31, the US men's national team will face Ireland in San Jose, California.
The Eagles will kick off their domestic season against the Irish national team at the Buck Shaw Stadium.
Then on June 6, the Eagles are set to play Wales at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois.
Also commencing on June 6 and running through June 21, is the 2009 Churchill Cup. The location of this event has yet to be determined, but will most likely be finalized by late next week.
Shortly thereafter, the women's national team will host Canada in Glendale, Colorado. The US-A squad will take on Canada A on June 23, while the US women's national team will play an official Test against the Canadian women's national team on June 27.
Both games will be played at Glendale's Infinity Park.
Finally, the US men's national team will take on Canada on Saturday, July 4 at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina, in what will mark the first of two World Cup qualifier matches.
Canada will host the second qualifier on July 11, at Ellerslie Rugby Park in Edmonton, Alberta.
http://www.rugby365.com/all_news/1560702.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be nice if ESPN were to show these. Fingers crossed.