Adelaide Oval to host historic Wallaroos and Wallabies tests

Adelaide will host a historic rugby double-header blockbuster, with both the Wallabies and Wallaroos playing international tests at Adelaide Oval later this year.

Premier Peter Malinauskas joined with Rugby Australia today to confirm that Adelaide Oval has secured two huge international matches for August this year – expecting to attract a crowd of around 30,000 fans.

In a significant coup, the South Australian Tourism Commission has locked in the Wallabies and Wallaroos to play at the same venue on the same day – against two of the world’s biggest rugby nations.

The matches to be played on 27 August 2022 are:

1. Australia v South Africa (men’s) - Wallabies (currently sitting at #6 in world rankings) will be tackling the first-placed Springboks. The Wallabies last played at Adelaide Oval in 2004, the year after they beat Namibia 142-0 in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, in what remains the largest margin of victory in men's Test Rugby.

2. Australia v New Zealand (women’s) - The Black Ferns are currently ranked #2 in the world behind England, with the Wallaroos sitting at #5. This is the first time the Wallaroos have played at Adelaide Oval, and serves as the perfect lead-in to the 2022 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand from 8 October to 12 November 2022.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said it was the first time in almost 20 years that Adelaide has hosted the national team.

“It is great news for rugby fans in South Australia – but also a massive drawcard for visitors to our state who want to come to Adelaide and watch world-class international sport, right here at our iconic Adelaide Oval,” he said.

“We’re also thrilled to have the Wallaroos play here, in what is the only time both the mens’ and womens’ teams will feature on the same fixture at the same venue in Australia this year.

“These are the kinds of events that drive strong visitation – with more than 30,000 fans expected to attend, filling up our city bars, restaurants and hotels, and giving the CBD a real energy during the winter months.”

Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said he was thrilled to announce the Adelaide Oval matches.

“We're extremely pleased to be able to able to confirm our remaining international fixtures on home soil for 2022. To host a double header in Adelaide where the Buildcorp Wallaroos will be firmly into their preparation for the Rugby World Cup and the Wallabies will take on the current Rugby World Cup champion Springboks is a great result and something we're extremely excited about,” he said.

Rugby Union South Australia CEO Carl Jones said the announcement was great for local rugby players and fans.

“The community game is growing across Adelaide in both playing numbers and capacity but you can't underestimate the impact of such high-profile games on our local competition,” he said.

“Having the current world champions taking on our improving Wallabies plus the spectacle of two of the top women's teams in the world - these matches will only assist us in this growth.”