The Wallabies will play a take a look at match in Canberra for the primary time in 10 years after Australia confirmed they’ll play Eire within the remaining warm-up match of subsequent yr’s Rugby World Cup.
On September 18, simply 9 days after the World Cup opener, Australia will host Andy Farrell’s aspect in Perth towards Hong Kong within the first Check performed within the capital because the Wallabies defeated Argentina 45-27 in 2017.
In the meantime, the Wallaroos will proceed their latest video games in Canberra and add a match towards Scotland on October 23 this yr.
“The ACT is likely one of the world’s nice rugby nurseries and we’re very happy to have the ability to host two main Check matches at GIO Stadium Canberra in 2026 and 2027,” stated Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.
“Canberra’s rugby group is extraordinarily passionate and has an enormous appreciation for our worldwide touring groups. Final yr we noticed the largest rugby crowd at GIO Stadium Canberra in 20 years packed into the venue for an exhilarating match between the Brumbies and the British & Irish Lions.
“The Wallaroos love enjoying in entrance of their loyal followers in Canberra, and with each groups side-by-side on the World Rugby ladder, the Scotland Check ought to be a really aggressive fixture. And the Wallabies are wanting ahead to enjoying their first Check match at GIO Stadium Canberra in 10 years, and the primary time they are going to be enjoying Eire in Canberra. Each groups will full preparations for his or her long-awaited house Rugby World Cup.”
The additional checks in 2027 will imply the Wallabies will play seven Check matches earlier than the beginning of the World Cup. Australia performed simply 5 video games within the build-up to the 2023 France Video games.
The choice to stage the complete Rugby Championship, slightly than the abbreviated model that’s frequent throughout World Cups, will take a look at Australia’s depth like by no means earlier than. The Wallabies misplaced Alan Araratoa, Michael Hooper and Len Ikitau within the 2023 Rugby Championship, whereas Taniela Tupou and captain Will Skelton had been injured in coaching after the opening World Cup sport.
The choice to stage a significant take a look at in Canberra, which missed out on changing into a World Cup host metropolis, comes at a time when the situation of GIO Stadium stays a spotlight of debate.
Former Wallabies back-rower turned Senator David Pocock continues to push for a brand new stadium in Canberra, however Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Cirardo suffered a minimize to his hand when a window in his coach’s field shattered throughout his staff’s Nationwide League win over the Raiders earlier this month.
