Wallabies Set for Historic Double Test Fixture in Perth During 2026 Season
In an exciting development for rugby fans across Western Australia, the Wallabies have officially confirmed they will play two significant Test matches in Perth during the 2026 calendar year. This announcement marks the first time in history that the Australian national rugby union team will host two international fixtures in the city within a single year, with one of the games being a highly anticipated showdown against the reigning world champions, South Africa.
Details of the 2026 Perth Test Schedule
Rugby Australia has solidified plans for the Wallabies to return to Western Australia for the third consecutive year, reinforcing Perth's growing status as a premier rugby destination. The confirmed fixtures include a match against Italy at HBF Park on July 18, 2026, which will serve as the Wallabies' final home game in the inaugural Nations Championship. This new biennial tournament features the four southern hemisphere powerhouses—Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina—each playing three home and three away games against teams from the Six Nations.
Following that, the Wallabies will reconvene in Perth on September 27, 2026, to face the back-to-back world champion Springboks at Optus Stadium. This encounter will be a repeat of the two sides' fixture on Australian soil in 2024, promising a thrilling rematch for spectators. Notably, with the Rugby Championship on hiatus in 2026 due to the All Blacks' extensive tour of South Africa, the Springboks' match in Perth will be their sole appearance in Australia that year.
Perth's Rising Profile in Australian Rugby
This announcement comes as a significant boost for Perth rugby enthusiasts, who missed out on hosting a major opponent in next year's Rugby World Cup opener at Optus Stadium. However, 2026 will mark the third straight year that the Wallabies have hosted either of their two biggest rivals in Western Australia, following last October's sold-out Bledisloe Cup game against New Zealand at Burswood. This consistent scheduling underscores Perth's importance in the national rugby landscape.
Moreover, the dual fixtures mean that Western Australia will host one-third of all Wallabies home Tests in 2026. The national team's other confirmed matches include facing Ireland and New Zealand in Sydney, France in Brisbane, and Japan in Townsville, highlighting a diverse and competitive schedule for the upcoming season.
Rugby Australia's Commitment to Perth
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh recently emphasized Perth's strong appeal, citing the city's impressive attendances at Wallabies games as a key factor in the decision to continue bringing the national team out west. In an interview with The West Australian, Waugh expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership, stating, "We love coming to Perth. We love having the Wallabies here in Perth, and we always seem to engage new audiences and big crowds here as well." He added, "It's a really exciting time, and we look forward to seeing the men in gold over here in the west."
Ticket Information and Availability
Fans eager to secure their seats for these marquee events can look forward to ticket sales commencing soon. Priority access will be granted to Wallabies First members, Super Rugby Pacific members, and team rugby members throughout the week, with general public tickets becoming available from the following Monday. This phased approach ensures that loyal supporters have the first opportunity to witness these high-stakes matches live.
Overall, the confirmation of two Tests in Perth during 2026 represents a landmark moment for rugby in Western Australia, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience top-tier international competition right in their backyard. With the combination of a historic Nations Championship fixture and a blockbuster clash against the Springboks, the 2026 season is poised to deliver unforgettable moments for the rugby community.
