Rugby fans will be delighted to hear that both the Wallabies and Wallaroos will be making an appearance in Adelaide next week in a clash that is being used as an important step on the path to their respective Rugby World Cups.
The double-header – to be played at Adelaide Oval on Saturday 27 August – will be the only time that both the men’s and women’s teams play together at the same fixture this year. More than 30,000 fans are expected to attend, with thousands of visitors set to travel to South Australia from interstate.
“It’s been almost 20 years since the Wallabies last played here – and it is the first time the Wallaroos get to run on to Adelaide Oval, so it is a perfect showcase for the sport of Rugby in South Australia,” said South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas.
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos was equally as excited saying “We are tremendously excited to be bringing the Wallabies back to Adelaide for the first time in 18 years – and the Buildcorp Wallaroos for the first time ever.
“It is also quite a coup for Adelaide to have secured a double-header with both of the current Rugby World Cup holders in the Springboks for the men, and the Black Ferns for the women.
“With the matches being scheduled for a Saturday afternoon, it is a wonderful opportunity for families to get along to the Adelaide Oval and witness some of the best Rugby in the world.
“We hope that the occasion inspires the young South Australians to play our great sport – and we thank the state government for their commitment to our shared vision of growth for Rugby in South Australia.”
Rugby officials are expecting interest in the sport will spike as a result of the historic Wallaroos v NZ Black Ferns and Wallabies v South African Springboks test matches being played in Adelaide next weekend.
When the Wallabies played in Adelaide at the Rugby World Cup in 2003, Rugby registrations across the state grew by 30 per cent – a huge jump for the sport being played in a non-traditional market
With the aim of rolling out modified programs in more than 30 schools, and a boost in junior registrations, Rugby Union SA is predicting this month’s matches will help drive further growth of around 12 per cent per year.
The men’s World Cup will be held in France next year, and the women in New Zealand this October. Australia has been announced to host both Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.
Match details – Saturday August 27th
· When Gates Open: 11:45am
· Wallaroos v Black Ferns: Game starts 12:15pm
· Wallabies v Springboks: Game starts 3:00pm
· Tickets start from $20 and can be purchased at Ticketek
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