Rugby: All Blacks tipped for US return

The All Blacks are set to return to the United States next November. Photo / AP

The All Blacks are set to return to the United States next November, with reports suggesting they will take on Ireland at Chicago's Soldier Field - the venue where they made their first American appearance in 2014.

That game against the US drew a sell-out crowd of 61,500 in the first rugby match to be played at Soldier Field, with the All Blacks easing to a 74-6 victory.

Although only 23,000 turned up at the same venue this September to see Australia beat the US 47-10, the combined popularity of Ireland and the All Blacks promises another big attendance at the home of the Chicago Bears NFL team.

Rugby is also growing in the US, with a professional league due to be contested for the first time next year.

Soldier Field spokesman Luca Serra said: "We are excited about the prospects for hosting another international rugby match next year. However, nothing at this point is confirmed."

The Irish Times reported that the game on November 5 is expected to be the main drawcard of a double header, with the US set to face opposition yet to be determined.

It won't be the only time the All Blacks clash with Ireland in 2016, with a return leg in Dublin scheduled for November 19. Ireland, coached by New Zealander Joe Schmidt, will also take on Australia and travel to South Africa next year.

The Soldier Field contest would be the 29th time Ireland have taken on the All Blacks, with the Irish yet to win. New Zealand won 24-22 with a last-kick conversion the last time the teams met in 2013.

Meanwhile, Wales coach Warren Gatland is reportedly said to be interested in the England coaching job vacated by Stuart Lancaster.

Despite telling Radio Sport last week that the England job didn't interest him, the Daily Mail reported that the New Zealander would be receptive to a lucrative offer to take charge of England.

Gatland is under contract with Wales until the end of the 2019 World Cup and the Welsh Rugby Union have indicated they would demand a compensation payment of £1.2 million to free Gatland to chase the England gig.

Jake White and Eddie Jones are the other big-name coaches said to be interested in the position, while New Zealand World Cup winners Graham Henry and Wayne Smith have ruled themselves out of contention.