Wallaroos, Wallabies to play Perth double header

Thu, Oct 11, 2018, 1:30 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Wallaroos will play the first women’s rugby Test in Western Australia, when they face off against the Black Ferns as a part of a Perth double header with the Wallabies.

The Wallaroos will square off with the Black Ferns at Perth's Optus Stadium next year as part of a trans-Tasman double header when the Wallabies take on the All Blacks.

The women's Test will mark the first time the Wallaroos have played in Western Australia.

Breaking fresh ground in WA will build on the successful start to the double header format this year.

While the Wallaroos were beaten by the world champion Black Ferns in both Sydney and Auckland the crowds which turned out were encouraging and the Australians look a drastically improved outfit under new coach Dwayne Nestor.

Turning that platform into a home win next season will be top priority for Nestor and there is no bigger stage than a trans-Tasman double header.The Wallaroos improved in 2018. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"It’s fantastic news that the Buildcorp Wallaroos will get to play their first Test match in Perth," Nestor said.

"As a Western Australian myself I know personally how strong the women’s game is in the west and this is only going to help to inspire a whole new generation of female Rugby players in WA.



"Our team is building on the mantra of “influencing a generation” and we are proud of the steps we have taken with the program in 2018 but there is still a number of targets we want to hit."

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said there is now double the incentive for fans to turn out in droves at Optus Stadium.

"We are really proud to announce that the Buildcorp Wallaroos and Black Ferns will play again in 2019 after two great Test matches this year in Sydney and Auckland," Castle said.

"There is now double the incentive for fans to get out to what will be a memorable rugby event at Optus Stadium with the Bledisloe Cup heading to Perth for the first time, and the first ever women’s Test match in the west.

"I know many fans from across Australia and New Zealand will want to travel for this historic occasion, to experience outstanding Rugby and everything that Western Australia has to offer."

Share
Warren Gatland is to remain in charge for the 2025 Six Nations. Photo: Getty Images
Gatland stays on as Wales coach but is told to deliver
Ex-Wallaby Simmons relishing Top 14 reunion with 'unique' compatriot Skelton
ANALYSIS: Massimo the man as young prop's incredible rise continues with Wallabies squad call-up
De Lutiis bolts into Lions contention as Wallabies name squad for January camp