Canberra to host Australia v Ireland pre-World Cup

Ireland were 46-19 winners when the sides met last November in Dublin Ireland will play a Test match in Canberra for the first time when they take on Australia in a World Cup warm-up at GIO Stadium on 18 September, 2027. The match takes place 13 days before the Wallabies kick-off the World Cup against Hong Kong-China in Perth on 1 October, with Ireland's opener three days later on 4 October in Sydney against Portugal. Australia have won each of the five Test matches they have played at GIO Stadium, with their most recent a 45-20 victory over Argentina in 2017.

The stadium hosted the British and Irish Lions' 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies during last summer's tour to Australia - a match that Ireland internationals James Lowe, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier crossed for tries. Ireland won the most recent Test match between the nations with a 46-19 victory in Dublin last November. "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," said Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.

"The Wallabies are looking forward to playing their first Test match at GIO Stadium Canberra in 10 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 [Australian Capital Territory] 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 sides will meet beforehand as Ireland make the trip to Sydney to begin their Nations Championship summer tour on Saturday, 4 July, before facing Japan one week later and rounding off in Auckland against New Zealand on 18 July.