Rugby Australia has confirmed the first Test of the 2021 eToro France Series will move to Suncorp Stadium.
The opening match between the Wallabies and France was originally scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground at 8:00pm AEST on Wednesday, 7 July.
The updated fixture will now take place in Brisbane, kicking off at the same time.The decision was made following the most recent developments in Sydney, with the NSW Government extending COVID-19 restrictions until 9 July.
Tickets for the opening Test at Suncorp Stadium will be available via Ticketek from Tuesday 29 June at 12pm AEST, with prices from $39 for adults.
Two match passes are also available from $58 for adults and $148 for a family of four.Rugby Australia has also made the difficult decision to postpone next month’s Buildcorp Wallaroos PacificAus Sports Samoa Series, following border restrictions.
Rugby Australia is committed to finding an alternate window later this year to complete the two Test Series.The decision prioritises the welfare of players, staff and fans.
Rugby AU CEO Andy Marinos said: “It’s never an easy decision to move a fixture. One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that we have to be able to pivot quickly. Following the announcement yesterday, we were faced with yet another challenge and we knew we had to respond swiftly.
“We were all excited for the Wallabies to return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time in 35 years and have enjoyed great support and cooperation from Destination New South Wales, the New South Wales Government and the Sydney Cricket Ground in assisting us with safe quarantine of the French team, as well as the planning and preparation for the Test match.
“We’re obviously disappointed for Wallabies fans in New South Wales who will miss the opportunity for a home Test in this French Series, but we are excited that Test Rugby will be returning during the eToro Rugby Championship later this year. We will continue to work with the respective health authorities around Australia to ensure all events are safely delivered for fans, players and officials.
“I am equally disappointed for our Wallaroos squad following the postponement of their Series. It’s been a really challenging year for them with the postponement of the Rugby World Cup to 2022 and now this delay, before we can finally see them finally taking the field in the coming months. We are now busy seeking an appropriate window for the Tests to take place.
“I want to thank Grace Hamilton and the rest of the Wallaroos team, our sponsors and broadcasters for their understanding as well as Manusina Samoa, who were due to assemble next week.
“I would like to thank the Queensland Government for their support and for helping us reach an outcome for the Wallabies so quickly. Queensland fans now have twice the opportunity to get out and show their support for the Wallabies, with the opening and closing matches taking place at the cauldron that is Suncorp Stadium.
“I would also like to acknowledge both France and the Wallabies for their understanding, and their positive attitude in these challenging circumstances. In speaking with both teams, they share our excitement and can’t wait to get out and play on the pitch,” Marinos said.
The second Test in the eToro France Series at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Tuesday 13 July is scheduled to continue as planned with tickets available via Ticketek.
Every home Wallabies Test against France will also be live, free-to-air on the Nine Network as well as ad-free, live and on demand with extended coverage on Stan Sport.
Following confirmation of the opening Test at Suncorp Stadium on 7 July, Rugby Australia is pleased to confirm the Sydney Cricket Ground will host South Africa on Sunday 12 September at 3pm AEST during the eToro Rugby Championship. Ticketholders who purchased for the France Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, will have their tickets transferred to the upcoming Test match between Wallabies and South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday 12 September at 3pm AEST.
Those unable to attend the fixture on Sunday 12 September should contact Ticketek for a full refund of their Wallabies v France ticket.
Rugby Australia will work with relevant authorities to deliver the September match in COVID-safe conditions.
Ticketholders who purchased for the PacificAus Sports Samoa Test at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney will have their ticket fully refunded.
Tickets on sale information for Wallabies v France at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday 7 July:
General Public from Tuesday 29 June 12pm AEST
Hospitality packages are on sale now for the eToro France Series. Private suites, corporate boxes and functions are available for fans who want to enhance their Wallabies Test match experience. Information on hospitality packages is available here.
eToro France SeriesWallabies v France, Wednesday 7 July, 8.00pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v France, Tuesday 13 July, 8.00pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies v France, Saturday 17 July, 8.00pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
