Wallabies confirm venue for Springboks showdown as 2026 fixtures announced

Jack Tunney 16 Feb 2026 3:45 PM

Springboks to face Australia in Perth as 2026 fixtures confirmed

Rugby Australia has confirmed that the Wallabies will play six games on home soil in 2026, announcing Perth as the venue for Tests against Italy and South Africa.

Their first match of the year will take place at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on July 4 as the Wallabies face Ireland, and then France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and Italy at HBF Park in Perth – with all three Tests forming part of the inaugural Nations Championship.

The Wallabies will head to Higashi-Osaka on Saturday, August 8, to face Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, before Japan return the journey to Australia for the first time since 1975 as part of the 2026 Flight Centre Series, where they will compete in Townsville on August 15.

The Wallabies will then face Argentina twice, before taking on the Springboks on September 27 at Optus Stadium for the Mandela Plate.

Two Tests against the All Blacks will follow, before the Nations Championship continues with matches against England, Scotland and Wales in November, with the finals weekend starting November 27.

First-ever Nations Championship

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “We’re thrilled to have our 2026 tickets on sale for what’s going to be another massive year for the Wallabies, with next year’s home Rugby World Cup getting closer on the horizon.

“It’s particularly exciting to see such high-quality Test opposition visit our shores as part of the Flight Centre Series, Bledisloe Cup and the first ever Nations Championship.

“We saw record home support during last year’s campaign and we’ll certainly be looking to build on that momentum and see plenty more gold in the stands again in 2026.”

Western Australian Tourism Minister, the Hon Reece Whitby MLA, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Wallabies back to Perth this year – with two world-class matches against Italy and South Africa ahead of next year’s home Rugby World Cup.

Opinion: No time to panic, George Ford is still the man for Steve Borthwick and England

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local and out-of-state fans to experience top-tier rugby action right here in Western Australia—the fastest-growing events destination in the South East Asia region.

“These matches are expected to attract thousands of out-of-state visitors, showcase our city to a global audience through international broadcasts, and strengthen WA’s reputation as a world-class host of major sporting events.

“Events like these not only strengthen our tourism sector through our Government’s economic diversification strategy by delivering significant benefits to local businesses and jobs, but also extend the tourism season by attracting visitors during the winter months, enhancing Perth’s vibrancy.”