New Zealand
All Blacks could face Ireland in Chicago in 2016
ESPN Staff
July 30, 2015
The All Blacks proved a huge hit in Chicago in 2014 © Getty Images
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The All Blacks are eyeing a return to the United States with New Zealand Rugby reportedly close to inking a deal that may also include the NZ Maori.

Buoyed by the success of their visit to Chicago in 2014, the All Blacks could face Ireland in a one-off Test at the city's Soldier Field while plans for a double-header would see the United States face the Maori the day before.

"The options are narrowing down and we hope it's not long before we have something for you," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew told the New Zealand Herald. "We are looking at a program which would involve some international fixtures for the Maori All Blacks rather than the one-off game we had offshore this year," Tew added.

America remains are a market with huge potential for growth, something the Wallabies will attempt to capitalise on when they have a two-week stopover in Chicago on their way to Rugby World Cup 2015. The Wallabies face the Eagles at Soldier Field on September 5 in what will be their final hit-out before the tournament kicks off in England.

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