England Rugby will return to Perth for the first time in 12 years to take on the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in another major event announcement today.
The McGowan Government, through Tourism WA and in partnership with Rugby Australia, has secured the first test match of the three-game England tour.
The match on Saturday, July 2, will be the first time England has played at Optus Stadium.
This will be only the second time England has played the Wallabies in Perth, with the previous test at Subiaco Oval in 2010.
The test match continues Perth’s rugby fever, with the city front and centre for fans last year when the Wallabies took on the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup.
The sporting spectacle attracted more than 52,000 rugby fans to Optus Stadium and put WA in the national and international spotlight through the television broadcast.
The Wallabies v England match is expected to attract thousands of out-of-state visitors and inject millions into the WA economy, supporting local jobs and businesses.
The event will also generate millions of dollars in broadcast media value.
It is going to be a massive week for sporting fans at Optus Stadium with the Wallabies v England test match occurring a week after the much anticipated State of Origin clash between NSW and Queensland
Tickets for the rugby international will go on sale soon.
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“We’re pleased to partner with Rugby Australia to bring the England and Australian rugby teams to WA for what will be an exciting match.
“The rivalry between these two teams is something to behold up close – especially as England is coached by Eddie Jones, who was Australia’s coach in 2003 when England defeated Australia in the World Cup Final in Sydney.
“The game will provide a multimillion dollar boost to the WA economy and support our local tourism and hospitality operators, with visitors encouraged to get out and about and enjoy our beautiful city while they’re here.
“The event’s broadcast is also expected to prove hugely popular on the east coast and in the UK, and at the same time, showcase Perth to a huge number of potential visitors.
“This is another huge moment for the McGowan Government’s major events strategy following the recent announcement that Game 2 of the State of Origin between NSW and Queensland will be played at Optus Stadium on June 26.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“This game will be a great one to watch with the Wallabies playing England at Optus Stadium for the first time ever.
“I look forward to a fantastic game with thousands of fans from around Australia and the world.”
