Trans-Tasman rivals unveil Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup tradition from 2027

The three Bledisloe Cup Test matches, supported by the Queensland Government, will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. 

“The inaugural Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test will kick-off at a family-friendly early afternoon time slot on Sunday 25 April 2027, creating a global sporting fixture in one of the most significant days on both nations’ calendars.”

The fixture will mean the All Blacks and Wallabies’ international seasons in 2027 will start as early as April. The Super Rugby Pacifc competition format will be revealed in the coming weeks, which will be affected by the Anzac Day fixture.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster said the Kiwi market in Brisbane was a key deciding factor to having all three Test matches in Brisbane.

“New Zealand and Australia share a special and unique bond built on sporting rivalries, friendship and those men and women who have served our countries in global conflicts, some making the ultimate sacrifice in doing so,” Lancaster said in the announcement.

“Playing the Bledisloe Cup on Anzac Day creates a unique trans-Tasman sporting occasion that honours our countries’ shared history and cultures, while bringing people together through rugby.”

“Rugby Australia is an important partner for us, and a strong game in Australia is good for rugby in New Zealand. Brisbane has long been seen as a home away from home with a large New Zealand population living there and we see this as a huge opportunity to work in partnership with Rugby Australia to grow the game in a key market.

“The Anzac Day Bledisloe Test adds another key moment during the Super Rugby Pacific season as the early rounds will have the added element of selection intrigue ahead of this match. We’ve worked closely with our clubs to ensure it gives fans another compelling reason to engage with the competition across the season.”

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh echoes Lancaster’s thoughts, saying the two organisations look forward to creating history together in 2027.

“The 123-year history of Australia and New Zealand rugby is renowned and revered across the globe and the first ever staging of an Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test will, we believe, create a new trans-Tasman sporting tradition that will bring our nations together and reinforce our shared values,” Waugh said.

“We are grateful to our friends at New Zealand Rugby for this partnership and, along with the Queensland Government, we look forward to creating history together.”