Ah, it's a fine and typically cold March Saturday night in England, and here we are with eyes turned to the United States where two top-flight rugby clubs meet in an historic match in New Jersey.

Is this truly the way of the future? Can the 15-man rugby code take off in a land that needed the help of Pele and George Best to put football (soccer) on the map?

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Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

It is a day of high stakes in New Jersey for both sides, as defending champions Saracens look to further cement themselves as high flyers and London Irish take their fight against relegation to foreign soil.

However, with so much money being invested in this fixture - one which has been chosen to launch Premiership rugby to the American public in a big way - is it enough that these two sides simply battle for points? Is there not a duty to the game, the league they are representing to add the sort of fireworks, flair and flamboyance that US sporting fans are spoiled for when treated to NBA, NFL, NHL matches?

Surely, there is an argument that a London Irish side - which has struggled to produce anything more than the mediocre for much of the season - and a Saracens team - which has been ruthlessly efficient but accused of being boring at times - has to excite, entice and enthrall like never before.

Otherwise, why bother taking the game to the US, when a overcast afternoon in Berkshire was more fitting?

There is more than just pressure to get a result, there is an expectation to perform.

Image source, Getty Images

"It's difficult to break the States. The Beatles managed it, One Direction got there, I think, and now it's Premiership Rugby's turn."

Those are the words of Premiership commercial director Dominic Hayes as the English game prepares to break new ground on Saturday when its first competitive fixture overseas kicks-off just half an hour from the bright lights of Manhattan and New York.

Get the full picture of today's historic match here.

It is not all one-way traffic when it comes to breaking international markets, with NFL matches being exported to Wembley and NBA games hosts in London as well.

Adam Williams
BBC Sport

After months and months of planning, Premiership Rugby has finally arrived in the USA. The powers that be in England's top domestic competition say this is the first of several games to follow.

On the surface, a meeting of top v bottom wouldn't normally get much attention at home, but the landmark nature of this fixture has generated some added interest.

Both teams have trained all week Stateside ahead of the game and despite their lowly position, Irish are confident the change of environment will work in their favour.

Organisers are hoping for a 15,000-strong crowd at the 25,000 capacity Red Bull Arena, but it's hard to tell how many curious locals will be among both those who've travelled across the Atlantic and the Irish and British expats.

Today, in the land of the free and the home of the brave, English Premiership Rugby makes a giant stride into the unknown.

On the other side of the pond, in New Jersey - where baseball was born - London Irish and Saracens attempt to help launch the 15-man game to an American public.

Whatever the appetite, it's a hugely important match for these two sides - Saracens are looking to reclaimtop spot in the Premiership, while nominated "hosts" at Red Bull Arena, London Irish will desperately want to bag a few vital points in their fight against relegation as a souvenir.

Image source, Getty Images