The Rugby Championship

Wallabies 2026 Test Schedule Confirmed: 14-Match Season, Nations Championship & Big Clashes vs All Blacks, Springboks and Japan

by
Mustafa Walsh
December 17, 2025

Rugby Australia has officially unveiled a blockbuster 14-Test schedule for the Wallabies in 2026, highlighted by the launch of the inaugural Nations Championship and a series of high-profile Flight Centre Tests against New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and Argentina.

With momentum building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil, the Wallabies will play six Tests in Australia, beginning with a Nations Championship opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on 4 July. The July window continues with a clash against France in Brisbane on 11 July, followed by a match against Italy on 18 July, which will mark Joe Schmidt’s final Test as Wallabies head coach.

Wallabies

Fans will also see the start of a new coaching era under Les Kiss, who takes charge for a two-Test home-and-away series against Japan in August. After opening the series in Japan on 8 August, the Wallabies return home for a Flight Centre Test in Townsville on 15 August.

The southern hemisphere campaign continues with a Puma Trophy tour of Argentina in late August and early September, before the defending world champions South Africa visit Australia for the Mandela Challenge Plate on 27 September. The home season concludes with a highly anticipated two-Test Bledisloe Cup series, including a final showdown against the All Blacks at Accor Stadium in Sydney on 17 October.

The year wraps up with a demanding Northern Hemisphere tour, where the Wallabies face England, Scotland, and Wales, before the season-ending Nations Championship Finals Weekend at Twickenham from 27 November.

Overall, the Wallabies’ 2026 Test program delivers elite international matchups, packed stadiums, and crucial preparation as Australia builds toward a historic Rugby World Cup 2027 campaign.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh believes the Wallabies’ 2026 Test schedule will captivate fans nationwide while playing a vital role in preparing the team for the historic 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He said the program brings together the world’s best rugby nations and builds on the strong momentum created by record crowds and broadcast audiences during the memorable 2025 season.

According to Waugh, the 2026 campaign will be just as compelling, with the Wallabies facing elite Northern Hemisphere opponents in the inaugural Nations Championship, alongside blockbuster Flight Centre Series matchesagainst traditional rivals New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina, as well as the ever-improving Japan. He stressed that these Tests are crucial in fine-tuning the Wallabies ahead of a landmark 2027 season, which will include a full Rugby Championship and Australia’s first home Rugby World Cup in 24 years. Waugh also thanked fans for the passionate “Sea of Gold” support in 2025, confirming the squad’s commitment to delivering performances the nation can be proud of in 2026 and beyond.

NSW Minister for Sport and Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper welcomed the announcement, describing 2026 as a standout year for Test rugby in Sydney. He highlighted the significance of hosting the Wallabies’ first-ever Nations Championship match against Ireland, followed by a potentially decisive Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks, reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as the heart of Australian rugby. Kamper added that these major fixtures will attract fans from across Australia and overseas, delivering a major boost to the NSW visitor economy.

Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said securing multiple Wallabies Tests further strengthens Queensland’s position as Australia’s leading destination for major sporting events. With matches scheduled in Brisbane and Townsville, Powell noted that Queensland will once again showcase its ability to host world-class events, with the games expected to generate more than $14 million for the state’s economy through tourism and local spending.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner echoed those sentiments, saying the city consistently delivers unforgettable experiences when major rugby events come to town. He welcomed the Wallabies’ return in 2026, noting the positive impact on local businesses and the city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sport, events, and visitors.