Wallabies to play Fiji in Newcastle
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The Wallabies will host Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday July 6 in what will be their only hit out before the highly anticipated three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
It will be the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017, with the teams having last met in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The men in gold will return to McDonald Jones Stadium for what is just their third ever Test in the Hunter Region, having last played there against Argentina in a COVID-19 affected 2020 international season.
Australia and Fiji have met on 23 occasions in the Test arena, with the Wallabies holding a 19-3 winning record and one draw.
The Wallaroos will also run out in Newcastle this year, set to take on New Zealand's Black Ferns on Saturday, May 10.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “It will be great to get the squad together and to have a genuine test match prior to the British and Irish Lions series.”
“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.”
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is excited to welcome the Wallabies and Wallaroos back to town.
"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, " Cr 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."
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.”
