Ireland vs. New Zealand rugby rematch coming to Soldier Field this fall

Nine years ago, the Irish rugby team beat New Zealand at Soldier Field for the first time in 111 years of matches.

It just happened to be the same weekend that five million people poured into downtown Chicago to celebrate the Cubs’ winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years.

Chicago will again become the center of the rugby universe this fall, when Ireland and New Zealand return for a Soldier Field rematch.

The marquee event for the fast-growing international sport is expected to draw thousands of tourists to the city from all over the world. Even more people are expected to watch on television, enhancing Chicago’s reputation as a sports mecca.

In announcing the rematch during a news conference at Soldier Field Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson noted the 2016 game was sold out and he “expects nothing less from the rematch” on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Although he “did my best to show some neutrality,” Johnson conceded that he was wearing “a little bit of green” that shows he’s rooting for an Irish team that is clearly the local favorite.

“This is more than just a game. This is a historic moment in the making bringing the best of global rugby to our great city,” Johnson said.

“Chicago lives and breathes sports — from iconic hometown teams to international events that captivate fans from around the world. Whether you’re playing on the ice, a baseball diamond, a court or, in this case, a pitch, Chicago is a city where sports history is made. We are ready to make history again. Chicago is ready to make this truly an unforgettable experience for rugby fans and visitors from around the globe.”

In the run-up to last summer’s widely-acclaimed Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Johnson promised to share the wealth with Chicago neighborhoods. It didn’t work. Many restaurants and retail stores — even those closest to McCormick Place, downtown hotels and the United Center — reported losing business during convention week.

That didn’t top Chicago’s self-proclaimed “cheerleader-in-chief” from making a similarly rosy economic prediction about the rugby rematch.

The mayor said he was “grateful for the economic impact” the rematch will have with national and international travelers “staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants and exploring all of our beautiful neighborhoods.”

“Our city will work together to ensure the positive impact from this match is felt citywide,” Johnson said. "We want to make sure that this is felt because it adds not only to our sports legacy but it drives opportunities for local businesses and our beloved communities."

Former Irish rugby star Rory Best attended Tuesday's announcement. He served as captain of the Irish national team in that 2016 match at Soldier Field against New Zealand, known as the All Blacks because of their uniforms.

Best said he will never forget the atmosphere on that historic day at Soldier Field, calling it “one of the greatest memories” of his life.

“We joked the day before the game that, if the Cubs can win after 108 years, surely we can win after 111 years,” Best said.

“When you create history, it always leaves a very special mark. And that’s why this city, this stadium and this match is incredibly special for us. The support we got….It was so special for us to win that day.”

The next hurdle is to defeat the All Blacks in the World Cup, Best said.

“Unfortunately, we’ve never gotten past the quarterfinal in the World Cup. So that’s the next thing: to try to emulate these guys and what they’ve achieved on the world stage every four years,” Best said.

“We’ve taken a small step there. But, we’re quite a bit behind them in terms of the World Cup.”

Former New Zealand star Dane Coles also was on hand Tuesday. He recalled the “electrifying energy in the stadium” in 2016 — “results aside.”

He called Soldier Field “one of the best stadiums” he has ever played in.

“The people of Chicago embraced us,” he said, even though they “didn’t know much about rugby."

Coles was asked to explain the international appeal of rugby to those in Chicago who know only American football.

“It’s a beautiful game played with a lot of violence. … 15 versus 15. … There’s no helmets. We don’t stop for three minutes and get the call from the coach. It’s just … smashing each other," Coles said.

"There’s a few scrums. … A few beers in the crowd. It’s a very passionate [game played] by athletes who love what they do and get to represent their countries,” he added.

“You’ll be in for a real treat. … It’s a great game.”