Overview
- Rugby Australia confirmed a final pre–Rugby World Cup Test against Ireland in Canberra on Sept. 18, 2027, marking the Wallabies’ first Test in the capital since 2017.
- The added Ireland fixture lifts Australia’s World Cup build-up to seven Tests, up from five before the 2023 tournament.
- The governing body will run a full Rugby Championship in the World Cup year, which means more minutes for front-line players and a bigger test of depth.
- Concerns about player availability persist after 2023, when the Wallabies lost Allan Alaalatoa, Michael Hooper and Len Ikitau during the Rugby Championship, with Taniela Tupou and Will Skelton later injured at training.
- Canberra’s selection carries local weight as the city missed out on World Cup hosting, GIO Stadium’s condition remains under scrutiny, and the Wallaroos will also play Scotland there on Oct. 23, 2026.