Overview
- NZ Rugby, which holds its annual meeting on Thursday, is expected to endorse an Anzac weekend Bledisloe Test for April 2027 with Rugby Australia as host.
- Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium and Perth's Optus Stadium are the leading options, with the venue likely to be decided by state government funding bids.
- The plan would restore the Bledisloe Cup to a three-Test series in 2027 and trigger a Super Rugby Pacific pause with Super Round moved to a later date.
- Because the match falls outside World Rugby’s release window, overseas-based Wallabies would be unavailable, giving Australia-based players a clearer path to selection before the home World Cup.
- Momentum grew after Steve Lancaster was confirmed as NZR chief executive and new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie backed the concept, with a reported $10 million revenue split still to be finalised.