Anzac Day Bledisloe Test
A new tradition is coming to trans-Tasman rugby. On Sunday 25 April 2027, the Wallabies and All Blacks will meet at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in the first-ever Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test. The match will open a three-Test Bledisloe series in a huge year for Australian rugby, with the Rugby World Cup to follow on home soil later in 2027.
This article explains what the Anzac Day Test is, why it was created, the key details for fans, how it fits into the wider calendar, and what it could mean for the rivalry.
The Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Wallabies vs All Blacks, Bledisloe Cup Game 1 |
| Date | Sunday 25 April 2027 (Anzac Day) |
| Venue | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| Kick-off | Early afternoon; exact time to be confirmed |
| Also on the day | Wallaroos vs Black Ferns |
| Tickets | Public sale through Ticketek from 29 October 2026 |
Ticket buyers are limited to 10 tickets per transaction, and premium hospitality packages are available through Rugby Australia.
A New Trans-Tasman Tradition
New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia announced the concept in June 2026. Rather than a one-off event, the Anzac Day Test is planned as a recurring fixture in odd-numbered years:
| Year | Day | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday 25 April | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| 2029 | Wednesday 25 April | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| 2031 | Friday 25 April | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
All three matches will be played in Brisbane with support from the Queensland Government. In even-numbered years, the Bledisloe Cup will remain a two-Test series because of the Nations Championship.
Why Anzac Day?
Anzac Day, held on 25 April each year, is one of the most important days of remembrance in both Australia and New Zealand. It honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served at Gallipoli in 1915, and more broadly all those who have served and died in conflicts.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said the Test honours the shared history and culture of the two nations, including those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. He described it as a “unique trans-Tasman sporting occasion.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said the match would “create a new trans-Tasman sporting tradition.”
Sport and Anzac Day
Anzac Day already has strong links with sport. Australian rules football hosts a famous Anzac Day match each year, and rugby league has staged Anzac-themed matches between Australia and New Zealand in the past. The new Bledisloe fixture gives rugby union its own signature event on the day.
Why Brisbane?
Several factors made Brisbane a natural choice:
- A large New Zealand community: Lancaster pointed to Brisbane’s sizeable New Zealand population as a key reason, describing it as a valuable market for growing the game
- Suncorp Stadium: a rectangular stadium with an excellent atmosphere for rugby
- Government support: the Queensland Government is backing the fixture
- Climate: April weather in Brisbane suits an early-afternoon, family-friendly kick-off
Suncorp Stadium and the Bledisloe Cup
Suncorp Stadium, often still called Lang Park by locals, is no stranger to big rugby Tests. It has hosted Bledisloe Cup matches before, including a famous Wallabies win over the All Blacks in 2017. The stadium is also the home of the Queensland Reds, giving it a strong rugby union identity alongside its rugby league history.
With seating close to the field and a reputation for loud crowds, it is well suited to an emotional occasion such as an Anzac Day Test.
What It Means for Queensland Rugby
A regular Anzac Day Test gives Queensland rugby a major event every second year. That can help:
- Attract new fans and young players to the sport
- Boost the profile of the Reds and local club rugby
- Bring visitors and spending into Brisbane
- Strengthen ties with the region’s New Zealand-born community
For local clubs, a sold-out Test in their own city is a powerful recruitment tool, especially in a World Cup year.
How It Fits Into the 2027 Calendar
The Anzac Day Test is the first of three Bledisloe Cup matches in 2027:
- Game 1: 25 April at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Game 2: 31 July at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as part of the Rugby Championship
- Game 3: in New Zealand, with the venue to be confirmed
The two sides will then meet again at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, in a Pool A match at Accor Stadium in Sydney on 9 October. That means at least four Wallabies versus All Blacks Tests in a single year.
Impact on Super Rugby
An April Test is unusual, as it falls during the early rounds of Super Rugby Pacific. Players will need to step out of their club campaigns for a week of Test preparation. Lancaster said this would add extra interest to early Super Rugby selection, as players push for a spot in the Anzac Day squad. The Super Rugby Pacific format for 2027 was expected to be adjusted to fit the fixture.
Double-Header With the Wallaroos and Black Ferns
The day will also feature the women’s teams, with the Wallaroos playing the Black Ferns. A double-header gives fans more rugby for one ticket and puts the women’s game on a big stage, an important boost with the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to Australia.
The State of the Rivalry
Australia will go into the match looking to close a big gap. In October 2026, the All Blacks beat the Wallabies 50 to 19 at Eden Park and 43 to 21 in Sydney, extending their dominance in Bledisloe Tests. Wallabies coach Les Kiss called the Sydney first-half performance “just not acceptable.”
An early-season Test gives Kiss a fresh start. The All Blacks reportedly see value in an early Test in World Cup years, and both teams will use the match as a key step in their tournament preparation.
What Fans Can Expect
- Commemoration: pre-match ceremonies are likely to reflect the meaning of Anzac Day
- A strong New Zealand presence: Brisbane’s Kiwi community should make it a genuinely shared occasion
- A family-friendly time slot: the early-afternoon kick-off suits younger fans
- High demand: as the first match of its kind, tickets are expected to be popular
Tips for Attending
- Buy tickets only through official channels such as Ticketek
- Plan travel early, especially if coming from interstate or New Zealand
- Use public transport, as Suncorp Stadium is located in inner-city Milton with limited parking
- Consider attending a local Anzac Day dawn service before the match
Final Thoughts
The Anzac Day Bledisloe Test on 25 April 2027 will launch a new tradition for Australian and New Zealand rugby. Played at Suncorp Stadium, paired with a Wallaroos versus Black Ferns match, and planned again for 2029 and 2031, it brings together two proud rugby nations on a day of shared remembrance. With the World Cup to follow, it promises to be one of the most meaningful Tests of the year.
Jante Smith is a creative and dedicated content writer who loves turning ideas into clear and engaging stories. She writes blog posts and articles that connect with readers. She ensures every piece of content is well-structured and easy to understand. Her writing helps our brand share useful information and build strong relationships with our audience.