The 2015 Rugby World Cup champion The All Blacks will play the Irish national team in a friendly that was announced on Tuesday (16th February).

The match will be part of a "Rugby Weekend" that will also see the USA Eagles meet the Maori All Blacks at Toyota Park on 4 November.

SOUNDBITE (English) Nigel Melville, USA Rugby:

"It's very important to us to showcase the world's best, but also an opportunity for our players to play and to participate within the week. I think this will be a great opportunity for rugby at all levels to benefit. And to showcase the game once more. And also to showcase to the rest of the word the progress that we're making at USA Rugby as we grow the game."

SOUNDBITE (English) Tommy Bowe, Ireland International:

"To play in America, in Chicago, in front of so many Irish supporters that are out there, it's a great opportunity for Irish Rugby and something I think all the guys will be looking forward to."

SOUNDBITE (English) Ryan Crotty, All Blacks:

"Ever since I was about seven-to-eight years old I knew I always I wanted to be an All Black, to fulfill that dream was something really special. And now to possibly have the opportunity, if I play well, to establish myself with the team and play a few more Tests is something that I find really exciting, and for one of those to here at Soldier Field would be really cool as well. So looking forward to the year ahead and can't wait to rip in."

SOUNDBITE (English) Tommy Bowe, Ireland International:

"Whenever the All Blacks come to town, whenever Ireland plays the All Blacks, we generally tend to sell out stadiums, it's always a massive spectacle, and I think to bring that to America, to bring it to Chicago-we hope we'll have a huge crowd here."