Townsville locks in three more Wallabies Tests on top of RWC matches

Rugby Australia has announced the Wallabies will return to North Queensland at least three times over the next four years, set to play Tests in Townsville as part of a partnership with the Queensland Government.

Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium is already set to host four pool stage matches during Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, but more international rugby has now been locked in outside the showpiece event.

The Wallabies will face Argentina next year in ‘the Ville’ before taking on Georgia in 2029, and again playing Los Pumas in 2030. It’s an unprecedented slate of international rugby matches for the region.

This announcement sparks the renewal of the Wallabies-Los Pumas rivalry in Townsville, where they have met twice in the last five years. The Wallabies played their first-ever Test there in 2021, before delivering a nail-biting win over Los Pumas last September.

Townsville continues to cement its place as a major events centre and a destination for top-level rugby union. On top of this Wallabies announcement, the Reds will take at least one match to regional Queensland for the next six seasons.

“Since our first Test match 127 years ago, regional Queenslanders have proudly represented Australia on the international stage,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said.

“It is therefore extremely pleasing to be bringing more Test matches than ever before to one of world rugby’s greatest talent nurseries with the valued support of our partners in the Queensland Government.

“Following the success of last year’s The Rugby Championship Test against Argentina, and excitement high for Saturday’s clash with Japan, Rugby Australia is delighted to confirm three additional Wallabies Test matches for Townsville in 2027 (Argentina), 2029 (Georgia) and 2030 (Argentina). These are in addition to Wallabies Test matches in Brisbane, including the Springboks in 2028 and a commitment to stage a Queensland Reds match in regional Queensland every year through 2032.

“On behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I extend my thanks to Premier David Crisafulli and the Queensland Government for their ongoing support of Australian Rugby from major events to the community game. From today’s Townsville commitment, to the recent confirmation of Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Tests, and with more initiatives still to be announced, the Queensland Government is driving positive economic, tourism and public health outcomes for the people of Queensland through rugby.”

The Wallabies will take on Japan this weekend at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, looking to replicate heroics of not just one, but two wins. Angus Bell was the hero when the team last played at the venue, crossing for an 85^th minute match-winner.

That 28-24 win on September 6 saw the Wallabies improve their all-time record in the North Queensland city to 2-0. The Aussies will look to keep that unbeaten run alive when they host Japan on August 15.

The Wallabies secured a nail-biting three-point win over the Brave Blossoms last weekend in Osaka, following a decisive Taniela Tupou try in the dying stages. Warner Dearns made it a one-score game late but the Wallabies managed to hold on.

“We want Queensland to be the home of sport and the events capital of Australia and that’s why we’re bringing the best of sport to all Queenslanders,” Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said.

“We also know when kids see the best players first-hand, they are inspired to get out and want to play the game.

“The additional international games from both the Wallabies, as well as more Reds games played in regional Queensland, will increase participation for grassroots clubs across the state and ensure all eyes remain on Queensland.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell added: “We said we would deliver more events for Queensland, and that’s exactly what we are doing, with another major international sporting partnership locked in for North Queensland.

“These international rugby fixtures strengthen Queensland’s position as the events capital of Australia, attracting visitors, filling hotels, supporting local businesses, and driving economic activity across the region.

“Securing events like these is about building a year-round pipeline of major attractions that give people more reasons to visit Queensland and showcase everything our regions have to offer.”

Confirmed Wallabies Tests in Townsville

Wallabies vs Argentina in 2027

Wallabies vs Georgia in 2029

Wallabies vs Argentina in 2030

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 games in Townsville

Georgia vs Romania – October 3

Chile vs Hong Kong China – October 9

Tonga vs Zimbabwe – October 15

Spain vs Canada – October 16