Wallabies Rugby 14-Test Thriller to Host South Africa, New Zealand and Japan in 2026

Wallabies Rugby Confirm Blockbuster 14-Test Schedule for 2026 Ahead of Home Rugby World Cup. Rugby Australia has unveiled an exciting 14-Test program for the Wallabies in 2026, headlined by the inaugural Nations Championship and a series of high-profile home clashes against international heavyweights including South Africa national rugby union team, New Zealand national rugby union team and Japan national rugby union team.

With the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia intensifying, the 2026 international season shapes as a crucial campaign for the Wallabies. Fans can expect six home Tests, world-class opposition and the historic first edition of the Nations Championship.

Wallabies Rugby Nations Championship Kicks Off in Sydney against Ireland

The Wallabies Rugby will open their 2026 season with a blockbuster Nations Championship clash against Ireland national rugby union team at Allianz Stadium on 4 July.

The tournament continues with matches against France national rugby union team at Suncorp Stadium on 11 July and Italy national rugby union team on 18 July (venue to be confirmed). The Italy fixture will mark the final Test in charge for Wallabies Head Coach Joe Schmidt before a new era begins.

Incoming Head Coach Les Kiss will take charge for a two-Test series against Japan, starting away on 8 August before returning home for a Flight Centre Test at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on 15 August.

Australia will then travel to face Argentina national rugby union team in Argentina on 29 August and 5 September as part of the Puma Trophy series.

Wallabies vs Springboks and All Blacks Headline Home Clashes

Defending world champions South Africa will visit Australia for the Mandela Challenge Plate on 27 September in a major Flight Centre Test.

The southern hemisphere campaign concludes with the iconic Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand. The first Test will be played in New Zealand on 10 October before the Wallabies host the All Blacks at Accor Stadium on 17 October.

Wallabies Rugby Northern Hemisphere Tour and Nations Championship Finals

Attention then shifts to Europe in November. The Wallabies will face England national rugby union team at Twickenham Stadium on 8 November, followed by Tests against Scotland national rugby union team at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on 15 November and Wales national rugby union team at Principality Stadium on 21 November.

The season will conclude with the historic Nations Championship Finals Weekend at Twickenham from 27 November, where the winning team – and hemisphere – will be crowned.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said the 2026 program provides the perfect platform as the Wallabies prepare for a home Rugby World Cup in 2027. After record attendances and strong broadcast numbers in 2025, anticipation is building for another landmark season.

Government leaders in New South Wales and Queensland also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the economic boost and global exposure major Test matches bring to Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville.

Wallabies 2026 Test Schedule

• Wallabies vs Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Sydney (4 July)

• Wallabies vs France – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (11 July)

• Wallabies vs Italy – Venue TBC (18 July)

• Wallabies vs Japan – Away (8 August)

• Wallabies vs Japan – Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville (15 August)

• Wallabies vs Argentina – Away (29 August)

• Wallabies vs Argentina – Away (5 September)

• Wallabies vs South Africa – Home (27 September)

• Wallabies vs New Zealand – Away (10 October)

• Wallabies vs New Zealand – Accor Stadium, Sydney (17 October)

• Wallabies vs England – Twickenham, London (8 November)

• Wallabies vs Scotland – Edinburgh (15 November)

• Wallabies vs Wales – Cardiff (21 November)

• Nations Championship Finals – From 27 November

The 2026 season promises world-class rugby, fierce rivalries and vital preparation as the Wallabies Rugby build toward a once-in-a-generation Rugby World Cup on home soil.