After a long period of uncertainty, World Rugby confirmed today that the USA Men's National 15s team will host Russia for the first fixture of the 2018 Emirates Airline Summer Series.

Following a verbal agreement by both the United States and Russia, World Rugby has provided its official approval for the match to take place June 9 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, CO, with kickoff set for 6 PM MT. 

The three-game series also includes the Eagles hosting Scotland on June 16 in Houston and traveling to play Canada on June 23 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In 2016, the U.S. beat Russia 25-0 in the last meeting between the two countries.

The Eagles' upcoming fixture was not confirmed at an earlier date because the outcome of the Rugby Europe World Cup Qualifiers was supposed to influence who would be their opponent. Germany and Russia were both in the mix, but when Spain lost to Belgium in a controversial game that is still being sorted out, the decision on the Denver matchup was put on hold. 

Finally, it appears USA Rugby and the Russian Rugby Federation got together and sorted it out.

Russia, currently four positions behind the USA at No. 19 in the world, has an opportunity to improve its placing with an upset over the Men's Eagles. Given the rankings implications and the competitive energy driving both teams forward, the stage is set for an electric atmosphere in Colorado.

"With the Russian test being the first of the summer series, it will be critical that we get our preparation right. It is imperative that we get right back to the form we ended the ARC with," said Dave Hodges, general manager of the USA men's national team.