The Wallabies have announced they will play Fiji in the lead-up to the British and Irish Lions series this July, hosting their Pacific neighbours in Newcastle.
The Test will take place on July 6, two weeks before the first game of the Lions series, offering the Australians a chance to get their legs under them in the international arena before taking on the all-stars of the British and Irish Isles.
The contest also offers the Wallabies a shot at redemption after the last Test between the two nations, a 22-15 loss that all but condemned the Australians to their first pool-stage exit at a Rugby World Cup.
For the rebuilding Wallabies, a hit-out against the Pacific Nations Cup champions is a strong primer for the upcoming challenge.
“It will be great to get the squad together and to have a genuine Test match prior to the British and Irish Lions series,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.
“In their bid to make the semifinals, Fiji were just six points shy of beating England at the last World Cup in 2023. They beat Wales in Cardiff last November and bring a physicality and flair that makes them entertaining to watch and tough to beat.”
While Schmidt’s future beyond the Lions series is still yet to be confirmed, a young Wallabies squad will take the field in July having reversed their concerning momentum in 2024 under the coach.
The Fiji Test being played in Newcastle brings the excitement of international rugby back to an area that hasn’t seen that level of rugby since 2020’s Covid-19-affected Rugby Championship.
The Wallaroos will also host the Black Ferns in Newcastle on May 10, making for an exciting local schedule.
“Newcastle fans are passionate supporters of both men’s and women’s sport so I have no doubt these upcoming fixtures will attract big crowds, ” Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said.
“The Wallaroos won their first-ever Test match in Australia by outclassing Japan in Newcastle in 2019.
“Our fans proved their commitment to the men’s team when 20,000 turned out in atrocious conditions to watch the Wallabies first test in Newcastle in 2012.”
Fiji haven’t faced the Wallabies on Australian soil since 2017. The Pacific heavyweights will be searching for their fourth win over the men in green and gold.
NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper said: “It’s going to be one of the biggest years ever for rugby with all eyes to be on Newcastle for the Wallabies’ last and only match before the highly-anticipated British and Irish Lions series.”
“It will be only the third time ever the Wallabies have played at McDonald Jones Stadium and what a match it promises to be against the Flying Fijians.”
