SCG to again host Test rugby

The Sydney Cricket Ground will stage Test rugby for the first time in 34 years after Rugby Australia announced plans for the Wallabies to host Ireland in 2020.

The match - the second Test of a two-match series against Ireland - will be held on 11th July, with the announcement comes after Sydney’s Allianz Stadium staged the finale of Ireland’s three-match tour of Australia in 2018.

Australia last played Ireland at the 40,000 capacity SCG in 1979 while the two nations also played at the venue in 1967.

Next year, Ireland will play Australia at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on 4th July before travelling to the SCG a week later.

Commenting on the move, Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle stated “the Sydney Cricket Ground is one of the most iconic venues in Australian sport and has hosted some of the most famous Rugby Test matches ever played in this country.

“Returning there in 2020 for the second Test against Ireland will be a nostalgic experience for those who watched Test matches there through the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and a chance to be part of history for the younger generation watching a Test at the SCG for the first time.

“The last time these two countries played in Sydney the stadium and the whole Paddington and Moore Park precinct came to life and was flooded with fans wearing green and gold, not to mention the on-field action which went right down to the wire as Ireland pipped the Wallabies to win the Series.”