Rugby Australia has confirmed the Wallabies will play England in a three-match Test series in July, with the Wallaroos set to face Fijiana and Japan in May.
The international calendar will kick off in Queensland next month as part of the 'road to New Zealand' tri series as the Wallaroos play their first Tests since 2019.
This will see them play their first Test in Queensland since 1997, facing Fijiana on April 6 as part of a Super Rugby Pacific doubleheader with the Reds-Highlanders before travelling to the Gold Coast to face Japan at Bond University.
As for the Wallabies, they will play Eddie Jones' men across the first three Saturdays of July in Perth (2nd July - Optus Stadium), Brisbane (9th July - Suncorp Stadium) and Sydney (16th July - SCG).
The first Test of the series will be just the second time the two sides have met in Western Australia, with the action heading to Suncorp as the Wallabies look to extend their ten game winning streak at the venue.
The potential decider will see a return to the SCG, the first time Test Rugby returns to Sydney since the COVID pandemic.
“We are excited to announce these blockbuster International fixtures for both the Wallabies and the Wallaroos in what’s an important year for both our teams as we continue to build towards key milestones in our playing calendars," RA CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
"2022 will be exciting year for Rugby in Australia and for all Australians to get behind their two National Teams.
"The international window kicks off with the Wallaroos who have a massive year ahead of them. These early Tests against Fijiana and Japan will be an important set of games for the ladies to put down a marker for the rest of the year and build on the momentum off the back of the Super W competition.
"These two matches coupled with the Pacific Four Test series in New Zealand and finishing off with their final home Test against New Zealand will be vital for their preparations for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year.
“Whilst we are playing and preparing our ladies for their internationals we are looking forward to welcoming England and Eddie back to Australia in July for what will be a highlight on the Australian sporting calendar in 2022. As we have a few wrongs to right from our encounter in November last year, both teams will be looking to build momentum leading into the 2023 RWC and set down some clear markers. “To be able to host them in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, the latter of which haven’t seen the Wallabies play live since 2019, is a really exciting opportunity for all Australians and those travelling from overseas."
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With both teams on the horizon of a World Cup, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning were excited about their respective challenges.
“It’s extremely exciting to have the eToro England Series here on home soil to kick off our 2022 season," Rennie said.
“We talk a lot about wanting to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the world and three Test matches in a row against England is the perfect opportunity to do that.
“It’s always special when Australia and England meet in the sporting arena and we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of gold jerseys in the stands during July."
"There’s been an immense amount of preparation for these upcoming Test matches and the playing group, as well as the coaching staff, are itching to get their national campaign back underway," Tregonning added.
“Over the past two years the entire women’s program has been building towards the next Wallaroos test season and these upcoming matches are a crucial part in our preparation for the Rugby World Cup.”
“We’ve witnessed some high quality matches in Buildcorp Super W this year and performances in that competition will play an important role in determining squad selections for these matches.
“Playing two strong nations like Japan and Fiji is extremely important to gain experience as a group against different styles of rugby.
“Seeing an expansive style of play has been a delight to watch from the Fijiana Drua this year in Buildcorp Super W and we are sure to see the same when we face Fiji’s national side in this series.”
Wallabies v England, Saturday 2 July, 5:55pm AWST/7:55pm AEST at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v England, Saturday 9 July, 7:55pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v England, Saturday 16 July, 7:55pm AEST at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Buildcorp Wallaroos v Fijiana, Friday 6 May, TBC, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Buildcorp Wallaroos v Japan, Tuesday 10 May, TBC, Bond University, Gold Coast
All tickets for the Wallaroos test matches in Queensland will be on sale from 12:00pm today
As for the Wallabies v England series, Wallaby First Members can purchase tickets from 12:00 pm today. The Wallaby First program is our premium subscription fanbase with guaranteed early access to tickets and other benefits. Learn more here: https://wallabies.rugby/membership
Super Rugby Pacific Members will then get access to tickets from Monday 11 April at 12:00pm.
Team Rugby membership Presale is available free to all Rugby Australia newsletter subscribers from Tuesday 19 April at 12:00pm. Subscribe here: https://australia.rugby/experience/subscribe
General Public will be onside from Thursday 28 April at 12:00pm
