- The Crisafulli Government has secured Queensland as Australia’s home of the first-ever ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup matches.
- The annual fixture between the Wallabies and the All Blacks has been locked in for 2027, 2029 and 2031.
- The matches are part of the Crisafulli Government’s push to make Queensland the events capital of Australia, growing tourism and supporting jobs.
The Crisafulli Government has secured the rights for a new ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup match for Queensland, further progressing the state’s plan to become the events capital of Australia, supporting tourism and jobs.
The historic six-year deal with Rugby Australia locks in the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup fixtures between the Wallabies and the All Blacks.
Queensland will host three ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup matches over the next six years in 2027, 2029 and 2031, with New Zealand to host every other year.
The annual match commemorates the bond forged through the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915.
Queensland will also deliver a new business schedule around the match with additional community and business events to maximise economic benefits and drive more investment into Queensland, including the ANZAC Bledisloe/O’Reilly Cup Breakfast, the Australian Rugby Summit, and the Super Rugby Pacific Summit.
This successful partnership between the Crisafulli Government and Rugby Australia is setting a precedent for other National Sporting Organisations to capitalise on the opportunities presented through the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans David Crisafulli said Queensland had locked in the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup matches as part of its Destination 2045 Tourism plan, which sought to make the State the events capital of Australia.
“We are bringing the Bledisloe Cup to Queensland, with an historic agreement to lock in ANZAC Day tests until 2031,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“This is part of our plan to deliver new signature events for Queensland and raid interstate events, growing tourism and supporting Queensland jobs.
“I promised Queenslanders we’d secure these major events to Queensland, as part of a push to make our State the events capital of Australia, and there’s more to come.”
Minister for Tourism and Acting Minister for Sport and Racing Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government had delivered a major win for Queensland, with the ANZAC Day Bledisloe.
“Locking in the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup year after year is a major win for Queensland and ensures this iconic fixture has a strong and lasting home,” Minister Powell said.
“It strengthens our position as the home of Australian sport, while inspiring more young Queenslanders to dream of representing Queensland and Australia on the world stage.
“We are securing Queensland as the capital of major events through Destination 2045 and partnerships like this ensure that the eyes of the world remain firmly fixed on our great State.”
Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham said the Wallabies and All Blacks on ANZAC Day will be an unforgettable moment for Brisbane.
“Suncorp Stadium is one of the great rugby venues and this fixture will bring a huge atmosphere to the heart of our city.
“This is more than just a game of rugby. It’s a chance to honour the connection between Australia and New Zealand while showcasing Brisbane to audiences around the world.”
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said a test match of this significance will draw fans from far and wide to Brisbane and inspire Queensland’s vast and passionate rugby community.
“This is an historic day for Australian, New Zealand and international rugby and, on behalf of Rugby Australia, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Premier David Crisafulli, acting Minister for Sport and Racing Andrew Powell and the entire Queensland Government for supporting an Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test at Suncorp Stadium in 2027, 2029 and 2031,” Mr Waugh said.
“As a new, marquee fixture on the global sporting calendar, the Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test will be watched by tens of millions across Australia, New Zealand and beyond at a time Queensland is preparing to welcome the world to its shores for next year’s Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympics.
“The 123-year history of Australia and New Zealand rugby is renowned and revered across the globe and the first ever staging of a Bledisloe Cup Test on Anzac Day will, we believe, create a new trans-Tasman sporting tradition that will bring our nations together and reinforce our shared values.”
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster said the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup would showcase the deep ties that unite New Zealand and Australia.
“New Zealand and Australia share a special and unique bond built on sporting rivalries, friendship and those men and women who have served our countries in global conflicts, some making the ultimate sacrifice in doing so,” Mr Lancaster said.
“Playing the Bledisloe Cup on Anzac Day creates a unique trans-Tasman sporting occasion that honours our countries’ shared history and cultures, while bringing people together through rugby.”
RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said RSL Queensland were proud to support the Queensland Government and Rugby Australia as they brought this iconic test match to the Sunshine State.
“ANZAC Day is a time when Australians and New Zealanders unite to honour the courage, sacrifice and mateship of all who have served our nation,” Major General Day said.
“Australia and New Zealand have one of sport’s fiercest rivalries which is grounded in deep respect. It mirrors our shared ANZAC history – standing side by side in service.
“The ANZAC spirit of mateship reflects the bonds formed in sport. Whether in battle or competition, looking out for one another and standing together under pressure is central to both. When the final whistle blows, the rivalry fades, but the shared history remains.”
