The US Eagles will square off against the French club from Clermont-Ferrand at 7:00pm on Saturday, August 9, in Charleston, SC.

The event, which is not only the first of its kind for the city of Charleston, but also the state of South Carolina, will be hosted in part by the founder of ASM Clermont Auvergne, Michelin, and the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium, and is set to be broadcast live on ESPN Classic.

“The Charleston Battery are delighted to be a part of this event, we’re all big rugby fans at the club and are excited that the Eagles will be playing at our stadium. It’s also great news that the game will be nationally televised; it’s another opportunity for us to showcase our stadium and our city to the rest of the U.S,” said Andrew Bell director of soccer & stadium operations at the Charleston Battery.

“We will bring with us a host of international players including Mario Ledesma of Argentina, Elvis Vermeulen of France and World Cup winning captain John Smit of South Africa,” said Neil McIlroy, Clermont team manager.

“We are keen to develop our image outside of Europe whilst experiencing a different culture and obviously playing a top level international team such as the USA Eagles. Additionally, we will further develop our bond with our founders and partners Michelin.”

The Clermont Auvergne club is currently leading their national competition the Top 14, the highest level of French rugby.

“It’s obviously exciting to have Clermont Auvergne, one of the best French rugby clubs, coming to the USA,” USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville said. “Building a relationship with a professional team of their caliber is great for USA Rugby and considering their connection to Michelin, which has its North American headquarters in South Carolina, there is really no better place to host such an event.”

Following an entire summer under the tutelage of new coach Scott Johnson, this match will not only showcase the improvements that are being made with the US national team, but also help develop the game in the US as a whole.

“It’s important to note that this match is not just about the teams showing up and playing the game, it’s about the opportunities this match presents to develop the game of rugby on a whole,” Melville added. “With coach, referee and youth development opportunities, USA Rugby is looking forward to developing this into a legacy event. We are about furthering the growth of the game and a fixture like this can only help build upon our momentum forward.”

Tickets for this match will be available through Tickets.com and at Blackbaud Stadium (843-971-4625) starting May 30. More information will be made available regarding group rates and prices, closer to that date.