The Women’s Eagles face Italy, USA XV meet Australia XV, unbeaten Navy host Saint Mary’s, and Canada and England renew their rivalry in another major weekend of rugby.
Nashville takes center stage in American rugby this weekend as the USA Women’s Eagles and USA XV prepare for an international doubleheader at GEODIS Park on Saturday, October 24.
The Women’s Eagles face Italy at 3:15 p.m. Central, followed by USA XV against Australia XV at 6 p.m. Central. Both matches will stream live on Paramount+.
Friday’s biggest international storyline comes from Ottawa, where Canada and England meet again just seven days after Canada’s 24–21 victory in Toronto ended the Red Roses’ remarkable unbeaten run.
American college rugby also delivers two important fixtures. Top-ranked, unbeaten Navy welcome No. 7 Saint Mary’s in Annapolis, while Army host Lindenwood in NIRA women’s competition at West Point.
Here is Rugby Fan Central’s guide to the rugby worth watching October 23–25.
Five Matches to Watch
🇺🇸 USA Women vs Italy
The Women’s Eagles return to action against Italy following their 36–27 victory in Mansfield last weekend.
The Americans scored five tries in that contest, continuing an encouraging attacking campaign in the WXV Global Series.
Italy, however, scored 27 points and remained competitive, providing a reminder that the Eagles cannot afford defensive lapses.
The Nashville rematch offers another opportunity for the USA to build momentum before facing England in New Jersey on October 30.
With the Red Roses coming off their defeat to Canada, the upcoming USA–England encounter has gained additional significance.
WHY WATCH: Can the Women’s Eagles repeat last weekend’s victory and continue their strong Global Series campaign?
🇺🇸 USA Men’s XV vs Australia XV
The second match of Nashville’s doubleheader provides an important opportunity for American players seeking to establish themselves within the national program.
Head coach Scott Lawrence and his staff have confirmed a 35-player extended pool for the two-match series against Australia XV.
The fixtures form part of the Eagles’ preparation for their upcoming Nations Cup campaign, giving coaches an opportunity to assess players against international opposition.
The series also provides game time for emerging players and those returning from injury as the USA build toward the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.
These are development fixtures rather than full senior Tests, but they offer meaningful competition as the USA prepare for the next stage of their international calendar.
The teams meet again in Harrison, New Jersey, on October 30.
The Eagles then travel overseas for Nations Cup fixtures against Hong Kong, Romania and Georgia, beginning with Hong Kong in France on November 6.
WHY WATCH: Which American players will make the strongest case for inclusion in the Eagles’ November plans?
3. Canada vs England
Friday, October 23 | 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
TD Place, Ottawa | WXV Global Series
Canada and England meet again just one week after a result that shook women’s international rugby.
Canada’s 24–21 victory in Toronto ended England’s unbeaten run dating back to November 2022.
The result demonstrated Canada’s ability to challenge the world’s leading women’s teams and raised questions about how England would respond to sustained pressure.
Friday provides the Red Roses with an immediate opportunity to recover from defeat.
Canada, meanwhile, have a chance to show that their Toronto victory was no isolated result.
American supporters will also be watching closely, with England scheduled to face the Women’s Eagles in New Jersey on October 30.
Why watch: Can Canada defeat England twice in consecutive weeks, or will the Red Roses respond?
4. Navy vs Saint Mary’s
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET
Prusmack Rugby Center, Annapolis | Men’s College Rugby
Unbeaten and top-ranked Navy welcome No. 7 Saint Mary’s in one of the weekend’s standout American college rugby fixtures.
The Midshipmen enter Saturday with a 7–0 record following a convincing 62–10 victory over No. 12 Mount St. Mary’s on October 17.
Navy’s performance reinforced its position among the leading teams in American college rugby.
Saint Mary’s present another demanding challenge as the Midshipmen continue their run of matches against nationally ranked opposition.
The matchup offers another opportunity to assess Navy’s progress against one of the country’s established college rugby programs.
Why watch: Can Navy extend its unbeaten record to 8–0 against No. 7 Saint Mary’s?
Watch: Navy Athletics YouTube.
5. Army vs Lindenwood
Saturday, October 24 | 11 a.m. CT / Noon ET
West Point, New York | NIRA Women’s Rugby
Army welcome Lindenwood in another important fixture as the NIRA season approaches its championship stages.
Army have demonstrated their attacking strength this fall, including a 57–14 victory against Queens earlier in October.
That performance featured nine Army tries, with Chloe de Leon scoring six.
Lindenwood enter Saturday following a 36–5 defeat against Harvard on October 17.
The Lions previously defeated Davenport 52–5 and will be looking to return to winning form.
The meeting offers both programs an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the NIRA postseason.
Why watch: Can Army continue their attacking form against a Lindenwood side looking to bounce back?
Coverage: Army West Point Athletics’ official match channels.
Friday, October 23: Canada–England and European Rugby
Canada against England is Friday’s headline international fixture, but the WXV Global Series also continues elsewhere.
New Zealand vs France
Whangārei, New Zealand | WXV Global Series
New Zealand and France renew their rivalry following the Black Ferns’ emphatic 81–12 victory in Hamilton last weekend.
France face a significant challenge as they attempt to respond against one of the strongest attacking teams in women’s rugby.
European Club Rugby
Friday also brings another round of domestic action across the Gallagher PREM and United Rugby Championship.
| Match | Competition |
|---|---|
| Gloucester vs Bath | Gallagher PREM |
| Newcastle Red Bulls vs Sale Sharks | Gallagher PREM |
| Cardiff vs Sharks | United Rugby Championship |
| Connacht vs Zebre Parma | United Rugby Championship |
| Edinburgh vs Lions | United Rugby Championship |
Gloucester against Bath provides one of Friday’s notable English domestic fixtures, while the URC offers additional rugby across several European venues.
Saturday, October 24: Nashville and American College Rugby
Saturday is the weekend’s centerpiece for American supporters.
The two international matches at GEODIS Park headline the schedule, while important fixtures continue across the college game.
NIRA Women’s Rugby
| Match | Kickoff (CT) |
|---|---|
| Army vs Lindenwood | 11 a.m. |
| Navy vs Queens | Noon |
Army’s meeting with Lindenwood is one of the day’s leading NIRA fixtures.
Navy also return to action against Queens at the Prusmack Rugby Center in Annapolis.
The closing weeks of the regular season provide valuable opportunities for teams to build momentum before the November championships.
Navy vs Queens viewing: Navy Athletics YouTube.
Men’s College Rugby
Navy’s meeting with Saint Mary’s leads the men’s college schedule.
The Midshipmen enter the contest unbeaten and ranked No. 1 following their 62–10 victory over Mount St. Mary’s.
The matchup offers another important test of Navy’s progress against nationally ranked opposition.
USA Club Rugby
The American club season continues across the country, with teams competing in regional and divisional competitions.
For supporters following the domestic game, RFC’s Results Hub provides a central place to follow reported scores as they become available.
Club rugby remains an essential part of the American game, providing competitive opportunities for players beyond the national teams and university programs.
Saturday’s European Club Rugby
| Match | Competition |
|---|---|
| Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints | Gallagher PREM |
| Bristol Bears vs Exeter Chiefs | Gallagher PREM |
| Leinster vs Munster | United Rugby Championship |
Leicester against Northampton is one of English rugby’s notable club rivalries.
Leinster against Munster provides another major matchup, with two of Ireland’s leading provincial sides meeting in URC competition.
Sunday, October 25: European Rugby Takes the Spotlight
Sunday’s leading viewing options come from England and France.
Harlequins vs Saracens
Gallagher PREM
One of English rugby’s established London rivalries provides a Sunday option for American supporters.
Harlequins host Saracens in a fixture featuring two of the Premiership’s best-known clubs.
La Rochelle vs Bordeaux-Bègles
French Top 14
Sunday’s French domestic action includes La Rochelle against Bordeaux-Bègles.
Both clubs have featured prominently in European rugby in recent seasons, making this another attractive option for supporters following the French game.
Where to Watch Rugby This Weekend in the USA
| Match or competition | US viewing |
|---|---|
| USA Women vs Italy | Paramount+ |
| USA XV vs Australia XV | Paramount+ |
| Navy vs Saint Mary’s | Navy Athletics YouTube |
| Navy Women vs Queens | Navy Athletics YouTube |
| Other college rugby | University and conference channels |
| USA club rugby | Club and regional union channels |
For other international and European matches, supporters should consult the competition’s official US broadcast listings.
By the Numbers
The Weekend Ahead
For American rugby supporters, Nashville is the center of attention.
The Women’s Eagles have an opportunity to continue their strong Global Series campaign against Italy, while USA XV face a demanding development fixture against Australian opposition.
Canada and England provide Friday’s biggest international storyline, with the Red Roses seeking a response after their extraordinary unbeaten run ended in Toronto.
American college rugby also delivers two important contests, with unbeaten Navy hosting Saint Mary’s and Army facing Lindenwood.
Beyond the national teams, college and club rugby continue to provide the foundation for the sport’s development across the United States.
