Bledisloe Cup moves to Anzac Day for three Tests from 2027

Three-Test commitment

The All Blacks and Wallabies will play Bledisloe Cup Tests on Anzac Day in 2027, 2029 and 2031, with all three fixtures scheduled for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have confirmed the arrangement, with financial backing from the Queensland government securing the three matches for the venue.

The opening fixture kicks off early afternoon on 25 April 2027, followed by matches on 25 April 2029 and 25 April 2031.

Honouring shared history

NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said the fixture honours both nations' bonds forged through sport and military service.

"New Zealand and Australia share a special and unique bond built on sporting rivalries, friendship and those men and women who have served our countries in global conflicts, some making the ultimate sacrifice in doing so," Lancaster said.

"Playing the Bledisloe Cup on Anzac Day creates a unique trans-Tasman sporting occasion that honours our countries' shared history and cultures, while bringing people together through rugby."

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said the inaugural Anzac Day Test would establish a lasting tradition. "The first ever staging of an Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test will, we believe, create a new trans-Tasman sporting tradition that will bring our nations together and reinforce our shared values," Waugh said.

Series structure

Each Anzac Day fixture will be part of a three-Test Bledisloe Cup series in the designated years. The remaining two matches will be held later during The Rugby Championship, with one in New Zealand and one in Australia.

The 2027 match falls during Super Rugby and before the Rugby World Cup that Australia hosts in October. The Bledisloe Cup will remain a two-match series in 2028 and 2030 because of the Nations Championship.

Strategic timing

Lancaster said NZ Rugby worked closely with clubs to ensure the fixture gives fans another reason to engage with Super Rugby Pacific. He added that the All Blacks see value in an early Test match in Rugby World Cup and Lions tour years.