Thirty-three years after going down to Queensland in Brisbane, Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will complete their tour of Australia in July by once again taking on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
The Reds announced on Saturday evening that Les Kiss’ side will take on the Welsh on Friday, July 19 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The clash will be played a day before the Wallabies take on Georgia in Sydney, meaning Kiss won’t have Joe Schmidt’s chosen internationals at his disposal.
Gatland, who has commenced a rebuilding mission with Wales since returning to the Northern Hemisphere country in late 2022, said he was pleased to have a third match on tour.
“We’re excited for the opportunity we have with our two Tests in Australia in July,” Gatland said in a statement.
“We know the Wallabies will be hurting after the Rugby World Cup but Australia is a tough place to go and play rugby and we’re expecting a fired up side led by new head coach Joe Schmidt.
“We were keen to have a third fixture while in Australia, so we are really pleased that we have been able to arrange that with the Queensland Reds to finish up our tour Down Under.”
Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will take on Queensland following their two Tests against the Wallabies. (Photo by Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images)
WRU Executive Performance Director Nigel Walker OBE added: “Facing the Queensland Reds in Brisbane will provide the perfect climax to a summer on the road for Wales’ senior men’s side.
“Tests against South Africa, in London, and Australia in Sydney and then Melbourne mean we should arrive in Brisbane battle-hardened and ready for action.
“The game against the Reds is a nod to traditional tours when Test teams regularly took on club sides during their travels and we look forward to celebrating the end of a tough season in style at Suncorp Stadium on July 19.”
It’s the first time the Reds will have played an international side since smashing Scotland 41-5 at Ballymore.
You’ve got to go another 13 years further back since the last time the Reds took on Wales, as John Eales commenced his storied career with a 35-24 win.
“It’s a wonderful initiative and Queensland rugby fans will make something special of it,” Eales said in a statement.
“I know for me, facing Wales as a Reds player in 1991 was the first top international side I played against. It was huge.
“That was because there is so much history and heritage to these Queensland clashes against international sides, including wins over the All Blacks (1980) and Lions (1971).
“This match against Wales in July will be a great incentive for Queensland players and a celebration of the heritage of Queensland rugby.”
Reds chief executive David Hanham, who together with general manager Sam Cordingley has long been trying to bring back tours, said the fixture would be a good opportunity to expose the next generation of stars.
“We want International sides to see a tour game against the Reds as an essential part of their tours to Australia,” he said.
“With the British and Irish Lions game against Queensland next year locked in, and the new Nations Championship coming in 2026 there are lots of opportunities for our fans to watch the Reds face top-flight opposition outside of Super Rugby.
“It’s also a vital part of our plan to get our players playing more games.”
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
In a wealthy country like Australia, it’s really not right and I’m no Lefty.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
KFTD, you need to go to that bastion of capitalism San Francisco and take a squiz at the number of homeless people in that city. The saddest thing about them is many have untreated mental issues on top of being dirt poor. Brisbane is about the norm for a large (1M) population city. But at least the weather is decent in SF. What amazed me was the number of homeless folks in New York City in the middle of their winter (December). They must have council-run shelters as they would freeze to death otherwise.
Blood Dragon
Roar Rookie
Ballymore can only hold 8000 as the upper section of the Eastern Stand is condemned and the Lights have not worked since 2022 due to the floods also Transport to/from Ballymore is a nightmare Brisbane Roar fans have complained about the Transport to/from Ballymore for there A-League Womens Match's
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
:laughing:
Gary Russell-Sharam
Roar Rookie
I remember the game back in the 90s what a great initiative this is to resurrect the concept. In the nineties we packed Ballymore. What a great place to watch rugby and cheer your team on from the hill and the stands it was just fabulous. With ABC televising and my old Wests mate Joe Mosey on camera in front of the windows of the club and we all behind him in the club getting replays on his monitor for us members, They were the good old days
gatesy
Roar Guru
It's the day before the Georgia Test. Interesting to see how that pans out.
Linphoma
Roar Rookie
That's cool. Don't traumatise the guy further.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Think it might have been, though I’m not sure. I could ask my mate but I still think he has nightmares
Linphoma
Roar Rookie
Was that the one where Peter Fitzsimons guested for SA?
Basos
Roar Rookie
Queensland defeated the British Lions in 1971 prior to the Lions winning the test series in NZ for the first time.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Hard to make it work before tests due to the squad size you’d need to accomodate it. You’d be happy for a test player to back up for this. But not a player back up from this and play a test a few days later.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
LP? One step up from KP, Pete?
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
It used to be standard practice for touring sides. I know a bloke here in Adelaide who played for South Australia against the All Blacks in 1984. He was a hooker, broke his collarbone in the first scrum and they lost 99-0
woodart
Roar Rookie
concieved or born?
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Some American comedian who got excited about coming to Brisvagas and didn’t find what he thought would be Las Vegas, thus Brisganistan.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Have to admit Qld have the most pride and passion of all the sides , players and supporters. Great win . Agree the touring of Int’l sides improved the side and was great for provincial supporters.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Be gold to have it at Ballymore
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Hahahahaha. “Brisganistan” that made me spit the food out of my mouth. I do need an explanation of where that comes from though.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Great news. Just a pity for both teams that it’s at the end of their tour as it doesn’t let the selectors to use it as a trial game for higher honours. Hopefully Schmidt will let any marginal Qlders in the Wallaby squad go & play.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
It’s a financial thing though. Regular tour games would require larger squads.