Qld Govt secures international rugby blockbuster for Brisbane

The Palaszczuk Government has stepped up to deliver a new venue for the first match of the Wallabies three-Test series against France on July 7.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said relocating the first match to Suncorp Stadium would save the Test and support the government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Major events support local jobs and inject millions of dollars into our economy,” the Premier said.

“Because Queenslanders have done such a great job responding to the pandemic, we’re able to secure world-class events that help to rebuild our tourism sector.

“Last year, Queensland became the home of Australian sport.

“Hosting the Wallabies’ blockbuster against France will not only help our tourism industry on the Coast, it will help us to build on Queensland’s reputation as a world class host for international sport. This is important in the lead-up to our bid for the Olympics.”

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the event was expected to deliver millions of dollars for Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.

“While we’re all thinking of friends and family in Greater Sydney, moving the opening game of the Test from the Sydney’s SCG to Brisbane’s Suncorp stadium gives Queenslanders the chance to enjoy a double serve of live international Rugby,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“Rugby Australia came to the Palaszczuk Government with a relocation plan for July 7 once a Greater Sydney COVID-19 lockdown became apparent.

“We worked quickly over the weekend to secure the Test opener for Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and ensure the international series can be played in a COVID-safe environment, as we have previously with other codes.

“This will be a terrific opportunity for regional Queenslanders to book a Brisbane or coast break for July 7 for first-class international Rugby at one of Australia’s best rectangular stadiums.” 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Wallabies and the French for a festival of elite Rugby.”

The second match in series will be played in Melbourne, as planned on July 13, before the Test returns to Suncorp Stadium on July 17.

Rugby AU CEO Andy Marinos thanked the Queensland Government for its support, and for helping to reach an outcome for this Test match so quickly.

“Fans in Queensland 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,” Mr Marinos said.

“It’s been a happy hunting ground for our men in gold, and they will be out to repeat their heroics in front of as many screaming Queenslanders as possible.

We know how much Queenslanders love their sport, and in particular their rugby.

It was an amazing atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium for the Queensland Reds win over the Brumbies last month with 40,000 fans cheering the Reds home, and I hope we can replicate that on July 7 and 17.”

Tickets for the July 7 Test opener go on sale tomorrow at midday through Ticketek.

Prices start at $39 for adults with two match passes from $58 for adults, and $148 for a family of four.

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