Townsville and Brisbane score Wallabies games

• Crisafulli Government secures blockbuster Wallabies games for Townsville and Brisbane in 2026.
• Rugby Australia confirms 14-Test program next year, as anticipation builds for 2027 Rugby World Cup.
• Rugby games secured as part of the Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan to cement Queensland as the events capital of the nation.

The Crisafulli Government has secured another major event for Queensland with not one but two Wallabies matches in the Sunshine State next year.

As the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia intensifies, the Wallabies will play six home Tests in 2026 with two of them taking place in Queensland.

The Wallabies will host Six Nations heavyweights France at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on July 11, in the inaugural Nations Championship.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville will also be filled with fans donning green and gold, when Australia take on Japan on August 15.

The landmark score for North Queensland follows through on the commitments made under Destination 2045, the Crisafulli Government’s bold plan to make Queensland the events capital of the nation.

Following a decade of decline under Labor that involved a 95% funding cut to the tourism sector, the Crisafulli Government is delivering real outcomes for Queenslanders with a record $1 billion investment to make deals like this one a reality, boosting visitor economies across the State.

Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said international sports content like Wallabies matches further bolstered the State’s growing reputation.

“Queensland is the home of Australian sport, and today’s announcement is further proof that our regions play a big role in that,” Minister Mander said.

“From the future athletes in the stands to the kids watching their first Wallabies game, this is the moment that will inspire Queenslanders for generations.”

Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell, said securing international matches cemented Queensland’s status as Australia’s events powerhouse.

“We’re putting Queensland on the world stage as we pave the green and gold runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Powell said.

“Hosting two Wallabies games in Brisbane and Townsville in 2026 proves our strength and capability to deliver major events that captivate global audiences.

“These games are expected to inject more than $14 million into Queensland’s economy, as fans travel, stay, dine, and support local businesses right across the state.”

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said this was a huge coup for the region.

“Townsville has made a name for itself as a rugby powerhouse, and now the world knows it,” Mr Baillie said.

“The economic boost for our city will be felt across restaurants, cafes, hotels, stores and more before the Wallabies take on Japan.

“And when they do, there’ll be a sea of gold cheering them to glory at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.” 

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said the 2026 Test program against the world’s leading rugby nations will enthral Australian audiences and prepare the Wallabies for the once-in-a-generation opportunity of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.

“The 2026 program will be every bit as exciting with the Wallabies taking on the best of the Northern Hemisphere in the inaugural Nations Championship in addition to massive Tests against our great SANZAAR rivals New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina as well as the strong Brave Blossoms from Japan,” Mr Waugh said

“These matches will be critical as the Wallabies’ finalise their preparation for a truly remarkable 2027 campaign, which will include a full Rugby Championship and culminate in the first Rugby World Cup in Australia in 24 years.”

Tickets for the Wallabies game at Suncorp Stadium are on sale now, while tickets and hospitality packages for North Queensland’s blockbuster match against Japan will be on sale from February 2026.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Dani Sharp 0436 357 712

WALLABIES 2026 TEST SCHEDULE

vs Ireland (TBC) – July 4

vs France @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – July 11

vs Italy (TBC) – July 18

vs Japan @ National Stadiu, Tokyo – August 8

vs Japan @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville – August 15

vs Argentina @ Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires – August 29

vs Argentina @ Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza – September 5

vs South Africa (TBC) – September 27

vs New Zealand @ Eden Park, Auckland – October 10

vs New Zealand (TBC) – October 17

vs England @ Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – November 8

vs Scotland @ Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh – November 15

vs Wales @ Principality Stadium, Cardiff – November 21

Nations Championships Finals Weekend – Weekend starting November 27