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FedExField, host of the 1874 Cup

Top Reasons to Check Out the 1874 Cup at FedExField



Don’t miss your chance to see the New Zealand All Blacks take on the U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team this fall

Rugby history will be made at FedExField on Oct. 23 when the New Zealand All Blacks, one of the most successful sports teams on the planet, takes on the U.S. Men's National Rugby Team, The Eagles. We’ve detailed reasons you can’t miss this awesome sporting event in Landover, Md. Tickets are going quickly, so make sure to grab yours and get ready for some world-class rugby.

01

The 1874 Cup pays tribute to America’s rugby roots.


In honor of rugby’s history in America, organizers dubbed this epic match between our national team and the famous All Blacks ‘The 1874 Cup’ after the first organized match ever held on U.S. soil. Teams from McGill and Harvard University squared off in a game that likely looked much different from the one you’ll see at FedExField.

02

The match presents a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest sports teams.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by All Blacks (@allblacks)

The 1874 Cup marks the first time that the New Zealand All Blacks have played in DC since 2016. Rugby is the national sport in New Zealand, and it shows in the performance of its national team. Here are just a few stats that showcase their dominance:

 

  • The All Blacks have played 45 matches against three multinational all-star teams, winning 37 of them.
     
  • The team has held the no. 1 spot in the World Rugby Rankings (introduced in 2003) longer than all other teams combined.
     
  • Since 1903, New Zealand has played test matches against 19 nations; 11 have never won a single game against the All Blacks.

03

You will be able to see the haka in-person.

Of course, you may know the All Blacks already, thanks to their signature pre-match posture dance known as the “haka.” The custom comes from the indigenous Māori culture in New Zealand, with several different variations having been performed by the team over time. If you’re inspired by the video (which is just one example), wait until you see this performed in-person.

04

Rugby offers edge-of-your-seat, high-impact action.


We’ll say this right off the bat: you do not need to know the rules of rugby in detail to enjoy the sport. American football grew out of rugby, and many of the elements that make the former sport enjoyable are still present in the latter. The All Blacks and the Eagles will play the most common form of rugby, which pits two teams of 15 players against each other. Here’s a quick rundown of the basics and prepare yourself: if you’ve never seen a match before, you’re set to see it played at the absolute highest level on Oct. 23. There will be plenty of scoring, open-field tackling and speed showcased throughout the afternoon.

05

You can Rally for Rugby in the lead-up to the match.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Exiles Bar DC (@exilesbardc)

Bars in the DMV area will host watch parties for U.S. Rugby matches (Oct. 2, 9 & 16) leading up to the Oct. 23 showdown with the All Blacks complete with food and drink specials. Simply scan the QR code on event materials for chances to win prizes, including match tickets and jerseys. Make sure to contact participating bars for details:

 

06

And there's more ... join the Old Glory DC bandwagon

If you’re yearning for more after the match, then pick up tickets to see Old Glory DC, the DC-area’s Major League Rugby squad. 

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