Wallabies and All Blacks locked in for 123-year Bledisloe Cup first

In a historic move for international rugby, the Wallabies and All Blacks are set to compete on Anzac Day for the first time, marking a significant shake-up in the Bledisloe Cup schedule. Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby confirmed that Brisbane's Lang Park will host Bledisloe Cup Tests in 2027, 2029, and 2031, with the 2027 match being the inaugural Anzac Day fixture.

This development also signals the return of the Bledisloe Cup to a three-game series for the first time since 2021, a change expected to generate approximately $10 million to be shared between the two unions. An extended series is seen as potentially beneficial for the Wallabies, who have not held the coveted trophy since 2002 and have struggled to win both matches in the recent two-game format.

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This is an historic day for Australian, New Zealand and international rugby. The first ever staging of an Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test will, we believe, create a new trans-Tasman sporting tradition that will bring our nations together and reinforce our shared values.

Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, expressed his enthusiasm, calling it "an historic day for Australian, New Zealand and international rugby." He believes the Anzac Day Test "will create a new trans-Tasman sporting tradition that will bring our nations together and reinforce our shared values." The match is anticipated to attract millions of viewers across both countries.

Steve Lancaster, chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, noted that Brisbane has long been considered "a home away from home" for the Kiwis and views the partnership with Rugby Australia as a significant opportunity to grow the sport in a key market. The addition of the Anzac Day Test is expected to add intrigue to the Super Rugby Pacific season, influencing selection decisions early on. The 2027 Anzac Day Bledisloe Test is scheduled for an early afternoon kickoff.

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We see this as a huge opportunity to work in partnership with Rugby Australia to grow the game in a key market. The Anzac Day Bledisloe Test adds another key moment during the Super Rugby Pacific season as the early rounds will have the added element of selection intrigue ahead of this match.