All Black Scott Barrett is tackled by Josh van der Flier of Ireland. Photo: Chloe Knott/ActionPress
New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the All Blacks will take on Ireland at Chicago's Soldier Field in November in what is being dubbed the 'Rematch'.
The two teams met in the United States in 2016 with Ireland claiming their first ever win over the All Blacks, defeating the then-world champions 40-29.
Ireland celebrate win over All Blacks 2016. Photo: Photosport
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson is looking forward to the clash.
"We're excited to be taking the All Blacks back to Chicago, and for it to be against Ireland is especially fitting. We have massive respect for the Irish, and recent history between our two teams means that this will be a highly anticipated match up," Robinson said.
"Both teams have passionate fans who will be keen to make an occasion of travelling to the game at such an iconic venue."
Robinson hopes the event will provide an opportunity to grow rugby on a global scale and in the US.
"Rugby is experiencing great momentum in the US, particularly with the upcoming Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, and with the growth of Major League Rugby. The US is part of our wider global strategy, and we're looking forward to this match as part of our ongoing engagement with North America."
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson knows it will be a tough encounter.
"This will be an epic rematch in one of the world's great sporting cities. All Blacks supporters will remember well the last time we faced Ireland at this venue, which launched one of our fiercest modern rivalries.
"This is an awesome addition to our 2025 schedule; we look forward to bringing the team back to the US and being part of this sporting spectacle," Robertson said.
The rivalry between the teams goes back 120 years to the first time the two sides met in 1905, but has taken on an extra edge since Ireland beat the All Blacks for the first time.
All Blacks after loss to Ireland 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Now, nearly a decade later, the All Blacks and Ireland return to the iconic Chicago venue to settle the score. Since the 2016 showdown, the two sides have battled it out in 10 Test matches, securing five wins apiece.
The teams' most recent Test saw the All Blacks win 23-13 in Dublin during the 2024 Northern Tour, but Ireland's recent success includes an historic Grand Slam during their Six Nations campaign in 2023, and a series win in New Zealand in 2022.
The Chicago test will kick off the All Blacks end of year tour for 2025, with games against Scotland in Edinburgh, England at Twickenham and Wales in Cardiff to follow.
It will be the All Blacks first Grand Slam tour (playing all four home nations Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England) since 2010.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
