For the first time since 2014 Australian Rugby fans will be able to watch two Bledisloe Cup matches on home soil, with the Sydney and Brisbane Bledisloe Cup fixtures headlining the Qantas Wallabies 2017 domestic Rugby Championship Test schedule.
After a second-place finish in the 2016 Rugby Championship, Australia will kick off its 2017 campaign with a home ground advantage on Saturday 19 August at ANZ Stadium, Sydney – the same venue where they last beat the All Blacks in 2015.
From there, the Qantas Wallabies head west to Perth where they will confront the Springboks at nib Stadium on Saturday 9 September.
The venue for the third home Rugby Championship fixture against Argentina on Saturday 16 September will be announced early in the new year.
The final Bledisloe Cup Test, which will be held on Saturday 21 October at Suncorp Stadium, follows a recent line of trans-Tasman thrillers at the venue.
In 2012, the two sides played out an 18-18 draw and two years later in 2014 it was the All Blacks who prevailed by the narrowest of margins, winning 29-28.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “Fans can expect some incredible Rugby from this 2017 Rugby Championship schedule, featuring two Bledisloe Cup matches on home soil, the Springboks in Perth where they always attract a strong following, and a soon-to-be-confirmed clash with Argentina.”
“This competition sets the standard in international rugby for the rivalry, skill and flair it showcases. To have the best teams on the planet playing in our backyard is a wonderful opportunity for sports lovers – young and old – to see some of the world’s best rugby first-hand.”
NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said the Bledisloe Cup opener is a must-see event for all rugby fans.
“A highlight of next year’s Rugby Championship will undoubtedly be the opening Bledisloe Cup match at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium. It’s an unmissable event, with the Wallabies out for revenge after the All Black ambush earlier this year. The NSW Government is proud to support this event and I encourage everyone to make plans to get to Sydney for the match on 19 August next year.”
WA Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett said: “Perth has hosted regular fixtures of international rugby since 2001 and we look forward to having the Wallabies and Springboks back in Perth next year."
“The match is expected to generate strong local and national interest from rugby fans, as well as add vibrancy to the city and provide valuable media exposure of Western Australia.
“Perth is undergoing a massive transformation and I am sure the match will sell out with visitors having an opportunity to explore this extraordinary city."
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said a packed Suncorp Stadium would be Australia’s 16th man.
“I’m sure thousands of fans from around Australia and across the Tasman will soak up the occasion at one of the best rugby stadiums in the world,” Ms Jones said.
“We look forward to welcoming those visitors to Brisbane for what promises to be an absolute blockbuster.”
Tickets for the 2017 Rugby Championship will go on sale in May 2017.
2017 Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup Fixtures (all local time) -
Qantas Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday 19 August, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 8pm kick off
Qantas Wallabies v South Africa, Saturday 9 September, nib Stadium, Perth, 6pm kick off
Qantas Wallabies v Argentina, Saturday 16 September, Venue TBC, 8pm kick off
Qantas Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday 21 October, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7pm kick off
