Rugby Australia has confirmed the dates for the Wallabies’ much-anticipated clash with England later this year, along with Tests for the Wallaroos against Fijiana and Japan next month.
The England series will begin a week earlier than previously flagged and will culminate with the first rugby union Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground since 1986.
Game one of the eToro England Series will be held at Perth’s Optus Stadium in Perth on July 2 with game two at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on July 9 and game three at the Sydney Cricket Ground on July 16.
The first Test of the blockbuster series is just the second time the two sides have met in Western Australia. The first was in 2010 with the home side coming away with a 27-17 victory.
In Brisbane, the Wallabies will look to extend their 10-game winning streak at Suncorp, including two victories to claim last year’s series win over France and a 13-point win over Rugby World Cup holders, South Africa.
2022 WALLABIES FIXTURES
The Wallaroos will play their first Tests since 2019, with matches in Brisbane and the Gold Coast kick-starting their Rugby World Cup preparations for the year.
They first meet Fijiana at Suncorp Stadium as part of a double header on Friday May 6, ahead of the Reds vs. Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific clash.
Four days later they play Japan at Bond University, Gold Coast, in a key final hit out before the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year.
Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said in a statement: “ We are excited to announce these blockbuster international fixtures for both the Wallabies and the Wallaroos in what’s an important year for both our teams as we continue to build towards key milestones in our playing calendars. 2022 will be exciting year for Rugby in Australia and for all Australians to get behind their two national teams.
“The international window kicks off with the Wallaroos who have a massive year ahead of them. These early Tests against Fijiana and Japan will be an important set of games for the ladies to put down a marker for the rest of the year and build on the momentum off the back of the Super W competition. These two matches coupled with the Pacific Four Test series in New Zealand and finishing off with their final home Test against New Zealand will be vital for their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year.
“Whilst we are playing and preparing our ladies for their internationals we are looking forward to welcoming England and Eddie [Jones] back to Australia in July for what will be a highlight on the Australian sporting calendar in 2022. As we have a few wrongs to right from our encounter in November last year, both teams will be looking to build momentum leading into the 2023 RWC and set down some clear markers.
“To be able to host them in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney … is a really exciting opportunity for all Australians and those travelling from overseas.
“The rivalry between Australia and England is one that runs deep across many sports, and we look to forward to writing another chapter in its history this July.”
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Wallabies coach, Dave Rennie added: “It’s extremely exciting to have the eToro England Series here on home soil to kick off our 2022 season.”
“We talk a lot about wanting to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the world and three Test matches in a row against England is the perfect opportunity to do that.
“It’s always special when Australia and England meet in the sporting arena and we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of gold jerseys in the stands during July.
“There’s not many bigger Tests in World Rugby than when the Wallabies play England and we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of gold jerseys in the stands during July.”
Wallaroos Head Coach Jay Tregonning said: “There’s been an immense amount preparation for these upcoming Test matches and the playing group, as well as the coaching staff, are itching to get their national campaign back underway.”
“Over the past two years the entire women’s program has been building towards the next Wallaroos Test season and these upcoming matches are a crucial part in our preparation for the Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve witnessed some high quality matches in Buildcorp Super W this year and performances in that competition will play an important role in determining squad selections for these matches.
“Playing two strong nations like Japan and Fiji is extremely important to gain experience as a group against different styles of rugby.
“Seeing an expansive style of play has been a delight to watch from the Fijiana Drua this year in Buildcorp Super W and we are sure to see the same when we face Fiji’s national side in this series.”
Ticket information
Tickets for the Wallaroos matches are on sale now.
For Wallabies matches, Wallaby First Members can purchase tickets from midday Tuesday AEST, Super Rugby Pacific Members have access from Monday and general public sales open on April 28.
andrewM
Roar Rookie
I can't comment about the SCG Glen, only that Optus stadium is 100% better for watching rugby than Subiaco was. curious to know other peoples opinions
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I also wonder how much the tickets will cost.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
If it’s cricket it’s SCG, but for rugby it’s sad lower case only
Glen
Guest
I commented on the other article before I realised there were 2. But basically... I understand the complaints about the SCG as it is a huge oval that is poor for viewing rectangular sports. However isn't Optus Stadium in Perth also a big oval that is poor for rectangular sports? Why isn't this getting criticism? I checked the dimensions and they are very similar sizes.
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
I understand the frustration with the SCG as the venue but what actually were the alternatives that were available under the circumstances? Not defending RA at all - a genuine question from one who hasn't lived in Sydney since 2016.
Machooka
Roar Guru
SCG... Sydney Crickey Ground :unhappy: Surely there are other venues? And that consideration factors in that the SFS is obviously not ready but... SCG?!? :angry:
Dandaman
Roar Rookie
You would think so.. bloody hilarious that they dont though!
Paul D
Roar Rookie
A half full Parra stadium would provide 100 times the atmosphere of even a packed SCG. That would make the TV spectacle 100 times better and encourage people to go to live games. Watching punters in the SCG staring over their shoulder at the big screen trying to work out what’s happening? Not so much. And I reckon an England/Wallabies test in Parra would sell out in a heartbeat. SCG? Doubt it.
Tony Harper
Editor
I let them know about the error, got a thanks but didn't see any corrections go out. So maybe!
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Best thing about test rugby at the SCG when I was a younger man was the pub crawls before and after the games
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Maybe Tight-Head is right. RA don't believe the west is part of 'Sydney'
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Chairman Dan loves his rugby
James584
Roar Rookie
SCG is about as bad a venue for a Test match as you can get.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Rhys, I loved how you put SCG/scg in lower cases. :laughing: :thumbup:
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
The lack of respect RA has towards the rugby fan base in Sydney is bewildering.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Can’t we just schedule all the games at Suncorp? Closest thing to a fortress for the WBs :silly: Seriously though, why not secure a better viewing experience at ANZ, scg is not a good place for rugby.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Hahaha oh my gosh. Rugby is going to disappear completely in this country in my lifetime and people will say "how did this happen?!!"
BrindiCruiser
Roar Rookie
I would prefer to incur the costs to fly Canberra to Brisbane and watch a game at the excellent Suncorp Stadium, than drive Canberra to Sydney and watch Rugby at the SCG. Watching rugby at a cricket ground, like SCG or MCG or the old Olympic stadium is a poor experience. Far prefer to watch the game in a smaller purpose built stadium that works for games that play on a rectangular pitch. Big miss for attending Rugby at SCG.
scrum
Roar Rookie
Well it will cost you an arm and a leg. $249 for decent seats for the Pommie test. Plus I think the Bledisloe is in Melbourne. I think it is because of a cancelled Test during COVID and perhaps a deal with the Victorian government
JC
Roar Rookie
Agree it’s not the best viewing experience but the atmosphere will be great with a packed crowd. In the circumstances, it’s the only viable option bar Homebush, which is horribly lacking in atmosphere. Hopefully the new SFS will be ready for the RC.