The Wallabies have announced a three-Test series with France in July.
It marks the start of a blockbuster international calendar for the year, with games set to be played across Brisbane and Melbourne.
The opening Test of the eToro three-match series was set to be played at the SCG at 8:00 pm on July 7, however, Greater Sydney has been placed into lockdown until July 9.
This left no other option but to move the match, with the game now set to take place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, kicking off at the same time. It marks the return of mid-week rugby for the first time since 2012.
The action then moves to Melbourne at AAMI Park on Tuesday 13 July before a potential decider as Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 17 July.
Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said in a statement: “France are one of the most exciting teams in World Rugby; they play with passion, flair and unpredictability and have proven time and time again they are one of the global forces of our game.
“They have been quietly building their team as evidenced in their Junior World Cup performances over the past three seasons, and we are now starting to see this translate into their senior side as they look ahead to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
"The baton is being passed down as we are seeing great names of a previous era being replicated in this next generation through players like Romain Ntamack to mention just one.
“We have also seen the emergence of our own new next generation of Wallaby players throughout the 2020 International season, where I have no doubt, they will continue to build positive momentum into this exciting eToro France Test Series to be held in in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“The return of midweek Test matches presents a unique opportunity for fans at home and at the venue, with each stadium in a central location for those attending after work.
“As we navigate our way through the ever-changing sporting landscape that we now operate within, we do so with the continued safety of all those involved in these Test matches, along with the communities in which we play, remaining our number one priority.
"We have enjoyed constructive and engaged discussions with RUPA on the international calendar, ensuring that player welfare and high performance outcomes can be optimised. We will continue to work with our players to ensure our collective goal of being successful in all we do is realised."
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The French will be eager for revenge after they suffered a whitewash 3-0 defeat in their last tour of Australia.
Fédération Française de Rugby President Bernard Laporte said: “After discussions and validation by the competent public authorities, the French Rugby Federation is delighted to be able to confirm this summer tour of a series of three matches that promises to be of a very high standard.
“It is a great opportunity for our French team to confront an emblematic nation of the southern hemisphere that has marked the history of world rugby such as Australia.
“We are convinced that our bleus, who feel a growing popular wave of the French at each match, will be keen to continue to perform on the international stage and demonstrate that France is among the great nations of world rugby!”
Rugby Union Players Association CEO Justin Harrison said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges across our professional sporting landscape, maintaining a collaborative, pragmatic, solutions-based focus that has enabled the principles of player welfare to be at the forefront of what will continue to be a challenging calendar year of events.
“Rugby Australia and RUPA will continue to work constructively to maintain player welfare as a priority, and we now look forward to what promises to be a thrilling Test Series against France,” Harrison said.
All games will be live, free-to-air on the Nine Network as well as being ad-free, live and on demand with extended coverage on Stan Sport.
Wallabies v France, Wednesday 7 July, 8.00 pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v France, Tuesday 13 July, 8.00 pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies v France, Saturday 17 July, 8.00 pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
