Wallabies and All Blacks to Play on ANZAC Day in 2027
Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has secured a landmark agreement to host the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup matches for the years 2027, 2029, and 2031, while alternating even-numbered years will be dedicated to the new Nations Championship. This exciting news marks a significant milestone for rugby union in Australia, with the Queensland capital poised to enhance the sporting landscape of ANZAC Day.
Rugby Australia has committed to scheduling this prestigious fixture as a “family friendly early afternoon timeslot,” and it will be one of three Bledisloe Cup tests held in 2027. The additional two venues for those matches are still to be confirmed.
This upcoming contest will be historic, as it is the first time in the 123-year fierce rivalry between Australia and New Zealand that the teams will face off on ANZAC Day.
The Queensland Government has pledged support for this highlighted match with an undisclosed amount of funding, facilitating a variety of community and business events connected to the game.
Interestingly, Australia’s women’s rugby union team, known as the Wallaroos, has previously played trans-Tasman internationals on ANZAC Day. The team faced New Zealand this year, suffering a defeat with a score of 40-5 as part of the Pacific Four series, which also included teams from the USA and Canada.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh commented on this groundbreaking day, stating, “This is an historic day for Australian, New Zealand, and international rugby. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Premier David Crisafulli, acting Minister for Sport and Racing Andrew Powell, and the Queensland Government for their support in bringing the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup Test to Suncorp Stadium in 2027, 2029, and 2031.”
Waugh highlighted the significance of such a Test match, predicting it would draw supporters from across the regions to Brisbane and ignite the passion of the rugby community within Queensland. He further noted that this marquee event, set against the backdrop of Queensland preparing for both the Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic Games, would be witnessed by millions across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
He also referenced the deep historical connection shared between Australia and New Zealand, remarking on how it reflects the spirit of ANZAC Day—a day originally born of solemn remembrance. “The eternal bond shared between Australia and New Zealand was forged on the first Anzac Day, and 112 years later, our nations will unite once more through rugby, which, as Wallabies legend and Gallipoli veteran Tom Richards once said, provided hope and respite for troops during the ‘dark passages’ of war,” Waugh stated.
Steve Lancaster, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, expressed his excitement regarding the historical significance of the match. “Playing the Bledisloe Cup on ANZAC Day creates a unique trans-Tasman occasion that honors our nations’ shared histories,” he said, acknowledging that the partnership with Rugby Australia is vital for the success of rugby in both countries.
“This announcement adds another significant opportunity during the Super Rugby Pacific season, giving fans plenty of reasons to engage with the sport leading up to this landmark match,” Lancaster added.
