As part of the festival of rugby league set to take place in Las Vegas, USA will host Canada in a men’s senior international on Friday 1 March, (kick off 7pm, local time) at the Ed W. Clark High School (pictured).

The encounter will take place the night before the NRL opening round double-header at the Allegiant Stadium in the city, featuring Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Syndey Roosters and Brisbane Broncos. 

The international will the first clash between the two neighbouring nations since they met in Tampa in November 2022 in which Canada were victorious 10-22, although this one will be for world ranking points.

USA recently beat Jamaica 30-26 in Kingston in their last hit out in December 2023. 

Hawks men’s head coach, Sean Rutgerson, commented: “It should be a great experience for the players to be part of such a major event and hopefully we get some good exposure. We look forward to putting on a great performance and continuing to the grow the game to our home audience.”

“With the NRL crossing the Pacific to play in Las Vegas, we're more than happy to partake with an international of our own,” said CRL president, John Cameron. Our last meeting provided an entertaining and competitive match and there is a real, genuine rivalry between us that I’m sure fans will enjoy.”

There will also be a 9s competition for USARL club sides as part of the weekend, with applications open for teams wanting to take part.