London Irish lined up to play St Patrick’s Day Premiership game in New York

They picked the right time for it anyway

London Irish are close to agreeing a deal to play an English Premiership fixture in New York as part of next year's St Patrick's Day festivities. The Telegraph are reporting that the club is in 'advanced negotiations' to become the first English side to play a top-flight fixture abroad, with the Exiles seeking to capitalise on the huge Irish-American market in New York and the ever-growing festival surrounding St Patrick's Day. The game could even take place at 80,000-seater MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's Giants and Jets, and is part of a three-year plan to promote English rugby in America, with other leading clubs queuing up to be the first to take on London Irish. Talks are continuing, but it is hoped the deal could be struck by the end of next month, before next season's fixture lists are completed.