Wallabies to host Ireland in Canberra 13 days before Rugby World Cup

The Wallabies will return to the Australian Capital Territory for the first time in 10 years when they host Ireland at Canberra’s GIO Stadium next year, 13 days before the Rugby World Cup opener against Hong Kong China in Perth.

Rugby Australia announced on Tuesday that international rugby union is heading back to the nation’s capital, with both the Wallabies and Wallaroos taking on Northern Hemisphere rivals in the not-too-distant future.

Before Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 gets underway on October 1, the Wallabies will face world no. 3 Ireland in a blockbuster warm-up fixture on September 18. The Wallabies are undefeated in five Tests at the venue from 1998 and 2017, including their most recent clash there against Argentina.

The Wallaroos will take on Women’s Six Nations outfit Scotland on October 23, 2026, which will be the team’s third Test at GIO Stadium in two years. Australia got the better of Fiji 33-15 there last weekend, as part of a double header with the ACT Brumbies against NSW Waratahs.

“The ACT is one of the world’s great rugby nurseries and we are extremely pleased to be taking two huge Test matches to GIO Stadium Canberra in 2026 and 2027,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said in a statement.

“The rugby community in Canberra is deeply passionate and holds a great appreciation for international touring teams, as we witnessed last year when the biggest GIO Stadium Canberra rugby crowd in 20 years packed the venue for the Brumbies’ thrilling match against the British & Irish Lions.

“The Wallaroos love playing in front of their loyal fans in Canberra and the Scotland Test should be a very competitive match, with both teams side-by-side on the World Rugby ladder. And the Wallabies are looking forward to playing their first Test match at GIO Stadium Canberra in ten years – and their first ever against Ireland in Canberra – as both teams finalise their preparations for the eagerly-anticipated home Rugby World Cup.

“On behalf of Rugby Australia, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry for their support of Test rugby during an incredibly exciting period for the game in our country.”

The Wallaroos played the USA Women’s Eagles ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Canberra stadium, winning a Pacific Four Series thriller. That was the team’s first match in the Australian capital since 2008.

Debutant Nicole Ledington scored last weekend as the Wallaroos claimed a Vuvale Bowl victory over Fijiana. Bridie O’Gorman, captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller also got on the scoresheet in the Wallaroos’ first Test of 2026.

“We’re pleased to welcome our national teams, the Wallaroos and Wallabies, back to GIO Stadium Canberra and honoured to be hosting the formidable teams from Scotland and Ireland in these two marquee Test matches in 2026 and 2027,” ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr added.

“We look forward to working with Rugby Australia to stage great events for the fans of all four teams.”