Rugby Australia has confirmed the first Test between the Wallabies and France will be moved from the SCG to Suncorp Stadium.
Along with this, the Wallaroos two-Test series against Samoa has been postponed, set to be played later in the year.
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The opening Test of the 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 in Brisbane, kicking off at the same time.
Tickets for the opening Test at Suncorp Stadium will be available via Ticketek from Tuesday 29 June at 12pm AEST.
Meanwhile, the series with Samoa will be rescheduled for an alternate window to prioritise the welfare of both teams' players and staff.
“It’s never an easy decision to move a fixture. One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that we have to be able to pivot quickly. Following the announcement yesterday, we were faced with yet another challenge and we knew we had to respond swiftly," RA CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement
“We were all excited for the Wallabies to return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the first time in 35 years and have enjoyed great support and cooperation from Destination New South Wales, the New South Wales Government and the Sydney Cricket Ground in assisting us with safe quarantine of the French team, as well as the planning and preparation for the Test match.
“We’re obviously disappointed for Wallabies fans in New South Wales who will miss the opportunity for a home Test in this French Series, but we are excited that Test Rugby will be returning during the eToro Rugby Championship later this year. We will continue to work with the respective health authorities around Australia to ensure all events are safely delivered for fans, players and officials.
“I am equally disappointed for our Wallaroos squad following the postponement of their Series. It’s been a really challenging year for them with the postponement of the Rugby World Cup to 2022 and now this delay, before we can finally see them finally taking the field in the coming months. We are now busy seeking an appropriate window for the Tests to take place.
“I want to thank Grace Hamilton and the rest of the Wallaroos team, our sponsors and broadcasters for their understanding as well as Manusina Samoa, who were due to assemble next week.
“I would like to thank the Queensland Government for their support and for helping us reach an outcome for the Wallabies so quickly. Queensland fans now have twice the opportunity to get out and show their support for the Wallabies, with the opening and closing matches taking place at the cauldron that is Suncorp Stadium.”
“I would also like to acknowledge both France and the Wallabies for their understanding, and their positive attitude in these challenging circumstances. In speaking with both teams, they share our excitement and can’t wait to get out and play on the pitch"
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The second Test in the eToro France Series at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Tuesday 13 July is scheduled to continue as planned, with the action returning to Brisbane for the third Test on Saturday 17 July.
Rugby Australia has also confirmed the SCG will host South Africa on Sunday 12 September at 3 pm AEST.
Ticketholders will have their tickers from the postponed SCG Test transferred to the September fixture. Those unable to attend the fixture on Sunday 12 September can receive a full refund from Ticketek.
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
