Churchill Cup returns to America
The Churchill Cup makes a welcome return to the United States this year, once again stopping in the City of Glendale, Colorado, before making its East Coast debut at in Harrison, New Jersey.
The 2010 lineup showcases the US Eagles, Canada, England Saxons and tournament newcomers France A, Russia and Uruguay in three rounds of doubleheader pool matches at Infinity Park, Glendale on June 5, 9 and 13.
The pool stages lead into a tripleheader finals day in Harrison, on June 19.
"The Churchill Cup is a vital part of our international season and offers top flight international competition, as well as providing increased exposure of the sport to new audiences in the United States," said Nigel Melville, Chief Executive Officer of USA Rugby.
"We are excited to be returning to Infinity Park and to be staging the finals day at a new venue, the Red Bull Arena, a world-class stadium that provides both players and fans with an unparalleled experience."
Terry Burwell, Churchill Cup Tournament Director, said: "We are delighted to take Churchill Cup VIII back to Denver and to add Harrison to the 10 other cities in the Canada and USA who have hosted the tournament since 2003. Infinity Park is a top grade dedicated rugby ground and we are looking forward to the pool stages there before a bumper finals day at a superb new facility in the Red Bull Arena."
In 2009, the first time the Churchill Cup was held entirely in the US, the pool matches consistently attracted near sellout crowds to Glendale's Infinity Park and the tournament hopes to build on past success in 2010.
"In June 2009, rugby enthusiasts from around the world came to Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado to experience world-class rugby at the seventh Annual Churchill Cup. It is so exciting to see this great sport growing in communities throughout this country. We are honored to host the Churchill Cup again in 2010 at Infinity Park, the first rugby-specific stadium in the US," said Mike Dunafon, Mayor Pro Tem, Glendale, Colorado.
The Churchill Cup will be the first non-soccer event held at the Arena in Harrison. After much anticipation, the 25,000 capacity soccer-specific stadium is scheduled for its grand unveiling on Saturday, March 20.
The 2009 Churchill Cup finals saw Ireland A upend perennial victors England Saxons in a six-try final effort to claim the Cup. Argentina Jaguars defeated Canada 44-29 to earn the Plate and the USA Eagles took home the Bowl in a 31-13 final over the republic of Georgia.
2010 Churchill Cup Pools & Schedule
Pool A: Canada, Uruguay, France A
Pool B: USA, Russia, England Saxons
Schedule
Saturday, June 5
(Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado)
Canada v Uruguay
USA v Russia
Wednesday, June 9
(Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado)
England Saxons v Russia
France A v Uruguay
Sunday, June 13
(Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado)
USA v England Saxons
Canada v France A
Saturday, June 19
(Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey)
Finals Day tripleheader