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Rugby union in Western Australia is set for a major shot in the arm, with the ARU announcing that Perth will host the Bledisloe Cup match in 2019 before the Rugby World Cup.
The match is slated to be played at the new Perth Stadium in Burswood, which is currently under construction but due for completion by early 2018.
“We are very proud to be bringing Western Australia its first ever Bledisloe Cup Test and are very grateful for the support of the WA Government, through Tourism Western Australia, which has enabled us to make this historic match a reality.
“The 2019 Bledisloe Cup match will be one of the first major events played at the new Perth Stadium after its completion in 2018. It will also be a vital clash for both teams, being their one and only clash in The Rugby Championship that year, on the eve of the Rugby World Cup” Said ARU CEO Bill Pulver
The Bledisloe has only ever been away from Sydney five times, with other venues in the Harbour City, including both the SFS and SCG, used for rugby’s marquee match.
However, with ANZ Stadium out of action between 2019 and 2022 due to a government-backed redevelopment, the ARU has had to find a new host stadium for the Trans-Tasman blockbuster.
Perth successfully hosted a match between the Wallabies and Argentina as part of the Rugby Championship earlier this year at the smaller nib Stadium, and will host a meeting between Australia and South Africa during the 2017 tournament. However, the ARU has evidently decided the city is ready to make the leap to the higher-profile Bledisloe Cup.
It was reported around five months ago that the Perth Government were interested in bringing the Bledisloe west, with other venues during the timeframe considered to be in Brisbane, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.
It follows a sporting boom in Perth, with the announcement of rugby league’s State of Origin, an international football friendly and the bigger international cricket matches being played at the new stadium.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the ARU will continue to use ANZ Stadium for Bledisloe Cup matches after its redevelopment or continue to share games around the country as they are being forced to between 2019-2022.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.