England’s largely experimental squad overcame brutal summer heat and two lengthy lightning delays to crush the United States 40-5 at Audi Field in Washington, DC, headlining a weather-battered doubleheader that also saw the U.S. women edge Fiji 31-24. The stop‑start evening stretched well beyond schedule and demanded repeated warm‑ups, yet the visitors stayed composed and blooded six new caps.
Kick‑off was pushed back nearly an hour by storms, then halted again mid‑half, sending players and fans into packed concourses. England even lobbied for a shortened interval to manage the oppressive humidity, but regulations held. Among the tourists’ fresh faces was centre Dominic Besag, still in college, emblematic of a youthful squad sometimes dubbed “Lions‑light” under Steve Borthwick.
Once play settled, England built a 19-0 half‑time cushion through set‑piece accuracy and opportunism. With U.S. fly‑half Chris Hilsenbeck in the bin for a deliberate knock‑on, Curtis Langdon finished a maul and George Ford converted. Luke Northmore capitalised on spilled ball for the second. No. 8 Alex Dombrandt was denied for obstruction from another drive before Caden Murley claimed the third after TMO review cancelled Joe Carpenter’s effort.
Jack van Poortvliet darted in soon after the restart and Ford added the extras. Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso’s break released replacement scrum‑half Harry Randall for try five, and debutant hooker Gabriel Oghre completed the tally, converted by Charlie Atkinson. The Eagles finally struck late when flanker Christian Poidevin worked a lineout move that put fellow replacement hooker Shilo Klein over for consolation points.
Attendance was announced at 19,079 for the men and 15,198 earlier for the women — a U.S. record — underscoring momentum as the country builds toward hosting Rugby World Cups in 2031 (men) and 2033 (women). Officials say roughly $275m is targeted over the next five to six years to grow the game nationwide, from community development to digital engagement.
In the curtain‑raiser, the U.S. women survived a spirited Fijian fightback to prevail 31-24. Newly minted ESPYs Breakthrough Athlete of the Year Ilona Maher, a huge crowd favourite from outside centre, drew roars with every carry and produced the tackle that snuffed out the final Fiji surge. The result, and the record crowd, reinforced the surging profile of women’s rugby in the States.
For England, the outing ticked development boxes: depth tested, new caps blooded, and composure proven in extreme conditions; for USA Rugby, the spectacle offered data and visibility on the global stage.
