Australian Rugby Union has today announced a three year agreement with the Western Australian Government to play four major international matches in Perth.
The deal includes the only home match for the Qantas Wallabies against the Springboks next year when the Tri Nations competition expands to incorporate a fourth country – Argentina.
The Qantas Wallabies match against South Africa, at Patersons Stadium in Subiaco, will be the first time the Springboks have played in Perth since 2008.
The agreement between ARU and the WA Government, negotiated through Eventscorp, also includes two matches in 2013.
Western Force will play the British and Irish Lions as part of the highly anticipated tour to Australia of one of world Rugby’s most iconic teams.
A Test against Argentina as part of the expanded Test series involving the Qantas Wallabies, Springboks, All Blacks and Pumas, will also take place in Perth during 2013.
The Springboks return to Perth again in 2014 to take on the Qantas Wallabies to conclude the impressive international match itinerary for Western Australia across the next three years.
“Western Australia is an established but also a growth market for Rugby,” said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill AO.
“Setting in stone an array of top-class international matches for Perth across the next three years puts us in a position to reach out even further to fans in the west.
“The following the Western Force has attracted and maintained since joining Super Rugby in 2006 has enabled us to make a statement that Perth holds a real place of importance in Australian Rugby.
“With the Springboks playing there twice, and only in the west, over the next three years, and with Argentina and the British and Irish Lions also heading to Perth, there will be a wonderful chance to create some further momentum for the game.
“ARU is also delighted the WA Government is moving into the development stages for a new multi-purpose stadium in Perth.
“In terms of where to stage major international matches well into the future, there is no doubt the quality of infrastructure and facilities, and the Rugby-friendly nature of stadia will play an important role in our decisions.”
