Australia and Ireland Set for Historic Rugby Clash in Canberra Ahead of World Cup
Ireland is set to play a Test match in Canberra for the first time when they face Australia in a World Cup warm-up at GIO Stadium on 18 September 2027. This match occurs just 13 days before the Wallabies kick off the World Cup against Hong Kong-China in Perth on 1 October, while Ireland will begin their campaign three days later on 4 October in Sydney against Portugal. Australia has an impressive record at GIO Stadium, winning all five Test matches played there, with their latest victory being a 45-20 triumph over Argentina in 2017. The venue also hosted the British and Irish Lions, who secured a 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies during last summer's tour, where Irish stars James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, and Josh van der Flier scored tries. In their last encounter, Ireland dominated with a 46-19 victory over Australia in Dublin last November. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh emphasized the passion of the Canberra rugby community, noting the record crowd at GIO Stadium during the Lions' tour. He expressed excitement for the Wallabies' first Test at GIO Stadium in a decade and their inaugural match against Ireland in Canberra, highlighting the significance of this warm-up as both teams gear up for the Rugby World Cup. Prior to the Canberra match, Ireland will kick off their Nations Championship summer tour in Sydney on 4 July, followed by a match against Japan and concluding against New Zealand in Auckland on 18 July.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-31