Perth’s status as a major international events hub will be further enhanced when it hosts the in-form Italian rugby team for the first time ever in 100 days’ time.
Tickets to the Wallabies 2026 Home Tests are available to purchase here.
The Azzurri’s match against the Wallabies at HBF Park on Saturday, July 18 will be the 21st Test played between the two nations as part of the new Nations Championship tournament, which pits the top six Southern Hemisphere teams against the six best nations from the Northern Hemisphere in a battle for world rugby supremacy.
The Wallabies played to a sold-out Optus Stadium last year and are primed for two huge Tests in Perth in 2026, starting with the historic Test against the Azzurri followed by an epic encounter with world champions South Africa at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 27. The Wallabies will then return to Perth to open the 2027 Rugby World Cup – the third largest sporting event in the world – when they take on Hong Kong China at Optus Stadium.
The Italians are among the most improved nations in international rugby having defeated England, Scotland and Wales during the recently-completed Six Nations tournament.
The Azzurri won their last two Test matches against the Wallabies, both in Italy, breaking a run of 18 straight Australian victories dating back to their inaugural Test in the historic city of Rovigo in 1983.
The Test at HBF Park will bring together domestic and interstate Wallabies fans with Perth’s vibrant Italian community – including Western Force and Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano – in a true international celebration of rugby.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “Western Australia’s standing as a world-class major events centre builds every year and Rugby Australia is proud to partner with Premier Roger Cook and his outstanding team to bring the best of international rugby to these shores.
“The Wallabies love coming to Perth and playing in front of vocal, rugby-loving fans including last year’s record-breaking crowd to watch the Western Force take on the British & Irish Lions followed by the sold-out Test match against the All Blacks.
“This year will be no exception as the Wallabies take on the passion, power and flair of the Azzurri at HBF Park fresh from their outstanding display during the Six Nations tournament, followed by a huge showdown against the world champion Springboks at Optus Stadium. All of this builds towards next year’s epic home Rugby World Cup, during which Perth will host six games including the tournament opener between the Wallabies and Hong Kong China.
“That road begins against Italy in 100 days’ time in what will be Joe Schmidt’s final game as Wallabies Head Coach. The match is sure to be emotion-charged and keenly contested as two proud rugby nations look to make their mark in the inaugural Nations Championship with an eye on next year’s Rugby World Cup.”
Western Australia’s Tourism Minister, the Hon. Reece Whitby MLA said: “The countdown is officially on with just 100 days to go until the Wallabies showdown against Italy in the inaugural Nations Championship – an exciting new rugby event that is set to thrill rugby fans and draw visitors to Perth to cheer on our national team as they take on Italy.
“The Cook Government recognises the enormous value major events bring to our State – creating immeasurable global exposure for our capital city and drawing out-of-state visitors who fill our restaurants, cafes and hotels, which support local jobs and businesses.
“Such events are integral to the Cook Government’s economic diversification agenda, bolstering the local tourism sector, enhancing the State’s reputation as a world-class host of major sporting events, and extending the tourism season during the winter months.”
Wallabies vs Ireland, Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs France, Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies vs Italy, Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday August 29 at TBC
Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday September 5 at TBC
Wallabies vs South Africa, Saturday 27 September at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 10 October at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 17 October at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, Sunday November 8 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, Sunday November 15 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, Saturday November 21, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championship Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
