Podcasts Other The Mike Hosking Breakfast James Patterson: Former Rugby Union player and Kansas City Blues coach ahead of the All Blacks v Fiji in San Diego

James Patterson: Former Rugby Union player and Kansas City Blues coach ahead of the All Blacks v Fiji in San Diego

Published: July 18, 2024, 10:52 p.m.

The All Blacks are set to play their next match at a bit of an unexpected location. \xa0

San Diego is set to get a taste of Tier 1 international rugby with this weekend\u2019s match between Fiji and the All Blacks.\xa0

Normally a home fixture would be played in New Zealand, but NZR CEO Mark Robinson has been upfront about the commercial opportunities provided by taking the game stateside.\xa0

Former NZ Rugby Union player and Kansas City Blues Coach James Patterson told Mike Hosking that in the States, the love of rugby is more regional.\xa0

He said that anyone who loves the game knows it's on, but with the high volume of sports America has on offer, rugby falls pretty far down the list. \xa0\xa0

Patterson said there\u2019s a shift happening with the introduction of professional rugby, and people seeing that there is a career in the sport.\xa0

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