The Wallabies are set to return to Canberra for a Test match for the first time in a decade, following Rugby Australia’s announcement of a final warm-up match for the Rugby World Cup against Ireland next year.
Australia will welcome Andy Farrell’s team on September 18, just nine days before the World Cup opener against Hong Kong in Perth. This match will mark the first Test the Wallabies have played in the national capital since their victory over Argentina 45-27 in 2017.
Additionally, the Wallaroos will extend their recent series of matches in Canberra, with a game against Scotland scheduled for October 23 this year.
“The ACT is recognized as one of the premier rugby nurseries globally, and we are very pleased to bring two significant Test matches to GIO Stadium Canberra in 2026 and 2027,” stated Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh.
“The rugby community in Canberra is highly passionate and has a strong appreciation for international touring teams, as demonstrated last year when the largest rugby crowd at GIO Stadium Canberra in two decades filled the venue for the Brumbies’ exciting match against the British & Irish Lions.
“The Wallaroos enjoy playing in front of their dedicated supporters in Canberra, and the Scotland Test is expected to be a highly competitive encounter, with both teams closely ranked on the World Rugby ladder. The Wallabies are eager to play their first Test match at GIO Stadium Canberra in ten years, and their first-ever encounter against Ireland in Canberra, as both teams finalize their preparations for the highly anticipated home Rugby World Cup.”
The additional Test in 2027 means the Wallabies will now compete in seven Test matches prior to the World Cup. In the lead-up to the 2023 tournament in France, Australia played only five.
The choice to conduct a full Rugby Championship, instead of a shortened version typical of World Cup years, will challenge Australia’s depth like never before. In 2023, the Wallabies lost Allan Alaalatoa, Michael Hooper, and Len Ikitau during the Rugby Championship, while Taniela Tupou and captain Will Skelton both later sustained injuries during training after the team’s opening match of the World Cup.
The decision to host a major Test in Canberra, which missed the opportunity to be a World Cup host city, comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the condition of GIO Stadium.
Former Wallabies back-rower turned senator David Pocock continues to advocate for a new stadium in Canberra, while Canterbury Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo recently sustained a hand injury after a window in the coaches’ box shattered during his team’s NRL victory over the Raiders earlier this month.
