Ministry of Sport

BLAST and Ubisoft Extend Rainbow Six Esports Partnership Through 2029

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Courtney

BLAST and Ubisoft have officially renewed their partnership for the Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege competitive scene.

The three-year extension will see the two organisations collaborate through the end of the 2028/29 season, following a successful initial overhaul of the circuit that began in 2023.

The partnership, announced during the Six Invitational 2026 in Paris, highlights a “unified global structure” designed to streamline the competitive calendar. The partnership has already proven its commercial value, driving record-breaking viewership during the 2024 Six Invitational in São Paulo and expanding the circuit into new territories including the UK, Denmark, and Germany.

Commenting on the partnership extension, CEO of BLAST, Robbie Douek, said: “Renewing this partnership was a natural next step and sends a strong positive message to fans of BLAST Rainbow 6 and the competitive entertainment industry.”

“We have worked side-by-side to elevate Rainbow Six esports on a global scale, from unforgettable live events to a more competitive and connected ecosystem,” Douek said.

VP of marketing & Esports at Ubisoft, Francois-Xavier Deniele, added: “With a unified global structure for 2026, new event destinations, and the CNL joining as a fully integrated region, we’re creating a clearer competitive journey for teams and a stronger, more consistent experience for fans.”

New Horizons: Salt Lake City, Japan, and Brazil

As part of the 2026/27 roadmap, the partners revealed the host locations for the season’s premier international events:

May 2026 Major: Salt Lake City, USA
November 2026 Major: Japan
Six Invitational 2027: Brazil

The organisation also announced the launch of a fifth global region: the China National League (CNL). This new 10-team professional league will be fully integrated into the global standings and the R6 SHARE revenue-sharing system.

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Formula 1 Announces Extension with the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 has officially announced a contract extension with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, ensuring the iconic venue remains on the global calendar through at least 2032.

Under the new agreement, the circuit will host Grands Prix in 2028, 2030, and 2032, in addition to the previously scheduled race in 2026.

The deal marks a shift for F1’s European heartland, as Barcelona enters into a formal rotation with Belgium’s Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. While both tracks will feature on the 2026 calendar, they will alternate thereafter: Spa will host in odd years (2027, 2029, 2031), while Barcelona takes the even years.

In addition, from this year, the event will be re-named the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, with the “Spanish Grand Prix” moniker moving to the new Madrid street circuit.

A Commercial Revitalization of Facility

Commenting on the contract extension, president & CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, said: “Barcelona is an incredible city, and the Formula 1 fans there always welcome us with such passion.”

“The team have invested heavily in the circuit and hosted fantastic fan festivals, so we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop the experience,” Domenicali said.

CEO of Circuits de Catalunya SL, Pol Gibert, emphasized that the Grand Prix is a vital economic engine for the region.

“We welcome the renewal of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Catalonia, at least until 2032.”

“We would like to express our gratitude to Formula 1 for the trust placed in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and in the region over all these years.

“This renewal is the result of a strong relationship and close collaboration and represents a very important step in further consolidating Catalonia as a key fixture on the international calendar,” Gilbert said.

Recent investments include the high-tech Circuit Rooftop (a luxury hospitality space overlooking the critical Turns 9, 10, and 11) and a major sustainability push highlighted by the installation of solar panels across the venue.

For the local organisation, the renewal is a victory for Catalonia’s long-term sporting vision.

Economic Impact: Estimated at over UERO300 million (AUD503 million) per edition.

Attendance Growth: 300,000 fans attended the 2025 weekend, which saw a historic McLaren 1-2 with Oscar Piastri taking the win.

Infrastructure: Continued use of the Plaça de Catalunya fan festival to integrate the race into the city’s cultural fabric.

Ingenia Holiday Parks Secures Partnership with North Queensland Cowboys

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

The North Queensland Cowboys have announced a new multi-year partnership with Ingenia Holiday Parks that extends through to October 2027.

The agreement installs Ingenia as a Gold Partner and the Presenting Partner of the iconic Laurie Spina Shield, one of Australia’s largest junior rugby league carnivals.

By aligning with a club that holds a deep emotional connection to the region, Ingenia aims to leverage the Cowboys’ massive fanbase to drive visitation to its key properties, including BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut.

Commenting on the partnership, executive general manager at Tourism at Ingenia Holiday Parks, Matthew Young, said: “The Cowboys have a special way of bringing communities across the region together.”

“This partnership gives us the chance to connect with local fans and travelling supporters in meaningful ways, while backing a club that values community and regional pride,” Young said.

Laurie Spina Shield & NRL Takeover

The partnership’s centrepiece is the 29th Laurie Spina Shield, scheduled for 26–27 June 2026 at Queens Park, Townsville. The two-day carnival will see over 1,000 under-11 players compete across 224 games.

The tournament concludes with eight teams playing at Queensland Country Bank Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Round 17 NRL clash between the Cowboys and Penrith Panthers on Saturday, 27 June.

Cowboys’ chief commercial & external affairs officer, Dean Payne, highlighted the commercial synergy between the two brands.

“With North Queenslanders ranking among the nation’s most enthusiastic campers and travellers, the connection between the Cowboys fanbase and Ingenia’s holiday experiences is a natural fit.”

Beyond the carnival, the organisation will launch a “Cowboys Takeover Weekend” later this season, featuring player-led clinics at Ingenia parks. To kick off the union, the partners have launched a colouring-in competition offering young fans the chance to win a VIP experience for the Cowboys’ home opener against the Gold Coast Titans on 22 March 2026.

LIV Golf Adelaide Shatters Records to Become Australia’s Biggest Golf Event

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

South Australia has reinforced its status as the nation’s premier major events destination, with LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 officially becoming the largest professional golf event in Australian history.

The tournament, held at The Grange Golf Club, drew a record-breaking 115,000 fans across its new four-day, 72-hole format, overlapping the 112,000 mark set by the 2025 Australian Open.

Commenting on the record breakers, South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, said: “LIV Golf Adelaide has delivered not just another successful tournament, but the biggest golf event in Australia’s history.”

“It’s exactly why we back major events — they drive visitation, increase visitor expenditure, and support local businesses.

“The event’s success demonstrates the power of South Australia’s major events strategy.

“More than 115,000 fans turned out across four days, setting a new attendance record for LIV Golf globally and showcasing South Australia on the world stage.

“Our hotels were operating above 85 per cent occupancy, thousands of rooms were filled, and our hospitality venues were buzzing. That means real jobs and real economic benefit for South Australians.

“Since 2023, this tournament has injected more than $217 million into our economy. It’s exactly why we back major events — they drive visitation, increase visitor expenditure, and support local businesses,” Premier Malinauskas said.

Echoing his sentiments, LIV Golf CEO, Scott O’Neil praised the “magical” atmosphere created by Australian fans. As the tournament prepares to “pass the torch,” the organisation confirmed that LIV Golf Adelaide 2027 will move to Kooyonga Golf Club from 18–21 March, with tickets officially going on sale today.

The evolution of the event saw Saturday’s attendance hit 38,500, the highest single-day crowd ever recorded in LIV Golf’s global history.

The commercial impact was felt across the state, with hotel occupancy soaring above 85 per cent and approximately 10,000 rooms filled nightly. Since its debut in 2023, the tournament has injected more than $217 million into the South Australian economy.

The energy on course reached a climax on Sunday afternoon as American Anthony Kim secured his first professional title in 16 years, carding a bogey-free 63 to win by three shots. On the team side, the all-Australian Ripper GC, captained by Cameron Smith, successfully defended their home turf to claim the USD3 million (AUD4.2 million) team prize.

DAZN Secures Streaming Rights for FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

DAZN has been named the global broadcaster for the first-ever FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026. The partnership ensures the tournament, held from 13–15 February 2026, is available free-to-view worldwide, providing a mainstream platform for a format rapidly gaining traction among younger audiences.

The collaboration between DAZN, FIDE, and Freestyle Chess Operations GmbH marks a turning point for “Freestyle Chess” (also known as Chess960 or Fischer Random).

By removing the ability for players to rely on memorised opening theory, the format rewards real-time creativity and raw calculation, a strategy that DAZN aims to highlight through its high-production global feed.

Commenting on the announcement, DAZN Group CEO, Shay Segev, said: “Freestyle Chess is growing fast and attracting a new generation of fans, and DAZN is the ideal partner to help drive that growth.”

“Adding the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship underlines our commitment to backing new tournaments and helping them reach global audiences,” Segev said.

Tournament Details & Commercial Impact

The event, staged at the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort in Germany, features a USD300,000 (AUD424,020)prize pool. The commercial appeal is supported by an elite eight-player field, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and rising stars like Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Event Stage	Date (2026)	Format
Rapid Round-Robin	13 February	10m + 5s increment
Knockout Semifinals	14 February	25m + 10s increment (Best-of-4)
World Championship Final	15 February	25m + 10s increment (Best-of-4)

Hockey Australia Launch Adina Community Clinic In Hobart

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Australia, in partnership with major sponsor Adina Hotels, successfully delivered a free Adina Community Clinic in Hobart this past weekend, coinciding with the high-stakes FIH Pro League matches at the Aurora Energy Tasmanian Hockey Centre.

The initiative provided 100 local children with a rare opportunity to sharpen their skills alongside elite athletes from the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras.

The clinic, held on Sunday 15 February 2026, targeted participants aged 5–12 as a gateway into Hookin2Hockey, the national junior participation program. By offering a fun and inclusive environment, the organisation aims to lower the barrier for families exploring the sport before the winter season begins.

Commenting about the event, Hockey Australia, said: “Adina Community Clinics are delivered across Australia, connecting communities with the game’s heroes.”

Noting that the events provide a positive first step for the next generation of players.

The timing of the clinic is particularly important for Adina Hotels. The premium apartment-style brand is set to make its official Tasmanian debut in the second half of 2026 with the opening of Adina Hobart. The 48-key development, located within the same complex as Vibe Hotel Hobart, will offer studio and multi-bedroom apartments designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, premium accommodation in the Tasmanian capital.

Hockey Queensland Announce New CEO

Posted on February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey Queensland (HQ) has formally appointed Rebecca Randazzo as its new Chief Executive Officer. Randazzo, a seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience, succeeds Alison Lyons, who departed the organisation in January to join the AFL following a successful six-year tenure.

Randazzo’s appointment is a move aimed at capitalising on the infrastructure and participation opportunities presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She joins Hockey Queensland from South Bank Corporation, where she served as general manager. Her extensive CV also includes chief executive roles at Bicycle Queensland and Rideability, highlighting a career defined by participation growth, government relations, and commercial sustainability.

Commenting on Randozzo’s appointment, Hockey Queensland president, Paul Mantell, said: “Ms Randazzo is a values-driven leader with a strong understanding of sport systems, governance and the importance of community connection.”

“Her experience aligns strongly with our strategic priorities as we prepare for a significant period of opportunity and growth,” Mantell said.

Expressing enthusiasm on her new position, Randazzo, shared: “There is a real opportunity to convert Olympic momentum into grassroots participation growth, venue and facility uplift, and more commercially visible Hockey Queensland and Brisbane Blaze brands,”

“I am particularly passionate about ensuring opportunities reach communities right across the state, including regional Queensland, where my own journey began,” she said.

A key component of Randazzo’s appointment will be elevating the commercial profile of the Brisbane Blaze brand within the Hockey One League. The organisation is focused on converting Olympic momentum into tangible “legacy” outcomes, including venue upgrades and enhanced high-performance pathways. Randazzo, who was raised in regional Queensland, emphasised that ensuring equitable access for regional clubs remains a top priority.

Wanderers Welcome HELI as Official Senior Partner

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Western Sydney Wanderers FC have secured a two-year deal with global materials handling leader HELI, naming the firm as the club’s Official Senior Partner and Official Forklift Partner. The agreement will runs through to the end of the 2026/27 season.

With HELI providing direct support to both the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s and Ninja A-League Women’s programs. By aligning with the Wanderers, an organisation with one of the most robust community profiles in the country, HELI aims to leverage the club’s national reach to drive B2B growth across the Western Sydney industrial heartland.

Commenting on the partnership, Western Sydney Wanderers CEO, Scott Hudson, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome HELI to the Wanderers family as an Official Senior Partner.

“HELI is a global leader in its field, and as they continue to grow their footprint in Australia, we see the Wanderers as a powerful vehicle to support that expansion through our reach, our community and our national profile,

“HELI’s support of both our men’s and women’s programs is particularly important to us and reflects our commitment to providing equal opportunity and elite pathways across the club.

“We’re proud that HELI has chosen the Wanderers as a key partner in their Australian journey, and we look forward to building a successful and impactful partnership together over the next two seasons,” said Hudson.

HELI, renowned for its innovative engineering and advanced features in the forklift sector, view the partnership as a people-driven initiative.

General manager of HELI material handling oceania, Cui Jie, emphasised that the club’s values of teamwork and determination were a natural fit for the brand’s local identity.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Western Sydney Wanderers, a club that embodies the teamwork, passion, determination and strong community values.

“At the heart of HELI Oceania, we’re a people-driven organisation and supporting local communities is something we genuinely care about.

“This partnership allows us to connect with and empower the community within Western Sydney and Australia as a whole.

We look forward to growing this partnership and supporting the club, both in and out of the stadium,” Jie added.

Michelin Renews as Official Tyre Partner with Motorsport Australia

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Motorsport Australia has confirmed that Michelin will remain its Official Tyre Partner for the 2026 season.

Michelin has also recommitted as a Foundation Partner of FIA Girls on Track Australia, an organisation it has supported since the local program’s inception in 2020.

The renewal comes as the FIA Girls on Track program prepares for its most ambigious year yet, following a record-breaking 2025 that saw over 1,000 young women participate in its events.

For 2026, the partnership will evolve beyond trackside support; for the first time, Michelin Australia will host a bespoke Pathways event at its Port Melbourne Head Office in August. This initiative is designed to shine a light on industrial and corporate roles, such as engineering, logistics, and marketing, that exist beyond the pit lane.

Commenting on the partnership extension, Motorsport Australia CEO, Josh Blanksby, said: “Michelin’s ongoing support is a significant boost for Australian motorsport.”

“Michelin brings world-class expertise and a strong connection to the international racing scene. Their involvement in FIA Girls on Track reflects a genuine investment in the next generation,” Blanksby said.

Michelin’s PR & brand partnerships manager and a vocal advocate for the program, Ebony Doherty, will continue her hands-on involvement as a mentor.

“FIA Girls on Track remains an initiative that is close to our hearts at Michelin,”

“The program plays a vital role in equipping young women with the confidence, skills, and industry connections necessary to pursue meaningful careers in motorsport.

“Having the opportunity to personally mentor a participant in 2025 has been an exceptionally rewarding experience, further reinforcing the program’s impact.

“We also look forward to hosting our own event this year, with a dedicated focus on showcasing career pathways within the industry.

“Michelin is proud to continue supporting the Girls on Track program alongside Motorsport Australia,” Doherty said.

Basketball Australia Reveals Refreshed Community Coach Mentoring Program

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia has launched an overhaul of its Community Coach Mentoring Program (CCMP), shifting to a high-impact modular model designed for the modern volunteer.

The refreshed framework, inspired by international benchmarks like the German Football Association (DFB) moves away from open-ended commitments in favour of 6–8 week “micro-mentoring” blocks tailored to the realities of community sport.

The commercial and operational pivot follows the release of Basketball Australia’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritises capability and “People” as the sport scales toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

The new model integrates Coach Logic’s AI-powered “SAM” (Session Analysis Model), providing coaches with a digital hub for video-based reflection and guided discussion with trained mentors.

By breaking the program into different themes, such as designing training sessions and supporting adolescent development, Basketball Australia aims to maintain momentum and clarity of purpose for busy grassroots volunteers.

The value for participants is underpinned by a new Coach Development Points (CDP) system. Mentees earn 25 points toward their national qualification per module, while mentors receive 50 points, repositioning mentoring as a formal pillar of professional growth rather than an optional extra.

The small-group format ensures that rather than “consuming” a lecture, coaches are active participants in a collaborative learning cycle.

Applications for the inaugural 2026 modules are now open via the Basketball Australia Coaches platform, with full module themes and mentor rosters to be released progressively following the formal launch of the Coach Development Framework (CDF) next week.

Biogen joins SA Rugby Partner Family

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

SA Rugby has announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with Biogen, appointing the premium wellness brand as the Official Vitamins and Sports Nutrition Partner for all national teams.

The deal, which runs through 2028, marks the first time in history that a “home-grown” South African nutrition brand has been selected as an official supplier to the Springboks.

Commenting on the partnership, CEO of SA Rugby, Rian Oberholzer, said: “Success on the international stage demands more than talent and hard work, it also depends on the right support systems.”

“The partnership with Biogen reinforces our belief in high-quality, safe and responsible nutrition as a key enabler of preparation, recovery and sustained performance,” Oberholzer said.

Describing the agreement as a massive milestone, Biogen brand manager, Brandon Fairweather, added: “We see it as the highest endorsement of our relentless commitment to the integrity, ethics and authenticity that exemplifies the Biogen brand.”

The partnership will see Biogen products integrated into the daily training and recovery programmes of South Africa’s elite athletes as they prepare for a high-intensity 2026 international season.

The partnership will covers the full stable of South African national rugby, including the Springboks, Springbok Women, Junior Boks (U20), and the Blitzboks (Men’s and Women’s Sevens).

The decision was heavily predicated on Biogen’s rigorous safety standards; the brand has maintained “Informed Sport” certification for over 11 years, a non-negotiable requirement for SA Rugby to ensure all products are free from banned substances.

Biogen, a house brand for Dis-Chem since 2004, has established a solid presence in the South African sports market, already partnering with the Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Stormers, and Mamelodi Sundowns.

World Surf League and Bioglan Expand Partnership

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Bioglan has extended its partnership with the World Surf League (WSL) through the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The multi-year deal sees the Australian-owned supplement brand expand its footprint, moving from a supporting role to the Title Partner of the Bioglan Newcastle Surfest Presented by Bonsoy.

The partnership targets the Challenger Series, a proving ground for surfers aiming to qualify for the elite Championship Tour.

The Bioglan Newcastle Surfest will run from March 9–15, 2026, at Merewether Beach, celebrating its 40th anniversary as the southern hemisphere’s largest surfing festival.

In addition, the brand maintains its naming rights for the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic and its high-visibility activations across the Championship Tour stops at Bells Beach, Margaret River, and the Gold Coast.

Commenting on the partnership, WSL APAC President, Andrew Stark, said: “Bioglan’s expanded involvement… reflects a shared vision for growing the sport across multiple levels,”

“Their presence at our events has already delivered strong engagement, and we’re excited to build on that momentum,” Stark said.

To drive commercial engagement, Bioglan is launching the “Challenger to Champion” campaign.

The initiative features a powerhouse roster of ambassadors: two-time World Champion Tom Carroll, and former CT standouts Sophie McCulloch and Liam O’Brien. While Carroll focuses on Bioglan’s new range for the over-60 demographic, McCulloch and O’Brien will front the brand’s performance-led content as they compete on the Challenger Series circuit.

AAMI AFL Origin Funds $1 Million Grassroots Legacy for WA Football

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The AFL has announced that the success of AAMI AFL Origin will deliver a projected $1 million windfall for Western Australia’s local football community.

In a partnership between the AFL, the WA Government, and WA Football, 100% of ticket sale profits will be funneled into the newly established Origin Community Fund.

The “AAMI AFL Origin” fund represents a commercial commitment to bridging the gap between metropolitan and regional football.

Targeting rural hubs, the investment will focus on increasing equity for players in low socio-economic areas, as well as those from First Nations and Multicultural backgrounds.

For the organisation, this move ensures that the return of State of Origin, the first in 27 years, leaves a tangible footprint on the state’s talent pipeline.

Commenting on the funding, AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, said: “The return of Origin is not just about celebrating the elite game, it’s about creating a legacy for the next generation of talent.”

“Through the Origin Community Fund, we’re ensuring the success of this match delivers a lasting impact… strengthening talent pathways and creating greater opportunity across the state,” Dillon said.

WA football executive manager, Peter Bell, highlighted that the funding would support regional talent programs, allowing young athletes to remain in their home regions longer rather than relocating to Perth for elite coaching. This follows a successful legacy model established after the 2021 AFL Grand Final, which saw a $5 million joint investment into the Kimberley region.

Disability Sports Australia Reveal “Abilities Unleashed” Sporting Schools Program

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

Disability Sports Australia has announced that its national multi-sport participation program, Abilities Unleashed, is now an officially admitted program within the Sporting Schools initiative.

The move embeds the program directly into the Australian education system, providing thousands of children with disability earlier and more consistent access to organised sport.

Over the past 12 months, Abilities Unleashed has demonstrated commercial and social impact, delivering 50 events to over 3,300 participants across 137 schools.

By joining the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Sporting Schools portfolio, schools can now use government grant funding to cover program delivery costs, specialized equipment, and travel, effectively removing the primary financial barriers to entry.

Commenting on the program, CEO of Disability Sports Australia, Ayden Shaw, said: “For many children with disability, school is the first place they encounter organised sport, and access at this point matters.”

“Inclusion in Sporting Schools is significant because… it gives schools greater capacity to respond to tangible, practical barriers that can affect attendance,” Shaw said.

The program is designed as a “come and try” experience, connecting students with sensory, physical, and intellectual disabilities to local sporting organisations.

This model ensures that the initial school-based engagement translates into long-term community participation pathways. The decision was informed by Disability Sports Australia’s Barriers to Entry Survey, which highlighted the need for more inclusive environments and adaptive equipment in school settings.

Applications for Term 2 2026 funding are expected to open in late February, allowing schools to plan their Abilities Unleashed activations ahead of the mid-year launch.

Disability Sports Australia is a national non-profit, registered charity, and National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, dedicated to increasing participation in grassroots sport.

Ampol State of Origin to Make Historic New Zealand Debut in 2027

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has confirmed that State of Origin will heading to New Zealand for the first time in the series’ history, with Auckland’s Eden Park set to host a match in 2027.

The decision to move a fixture across the Tasman reflects the growth of Rugby League in the region, largely spurred by the recent resurgence of the New Zealand Warriors.

For the ARLC, the move is commercially designed to tap into New Zealand’s primary tourism market while showcasing the “cultural phenomenon” of the Blues vs. Maroons rivalry to a global audience.

Commenting on the announcement, ARLC chairman, Peter V’landys AM, said: “Rugby League is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific, and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

“State of Origin isn’t just a football match, it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s the greatest rivalry in Australian sport, and in 2027 it will be showcased on one of the most famous sporting stages in the world.

“The eyes of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond will be on Eden Park, and it will be a milestone moment for the game,” V’landys said.

Expressing his enthusiasm, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, said taking State of Origin to New Zealand was a win for fans on both sides of the Tasman.

“This is a great outcome for fans, in 2027, Rugby League fans in New Zealand will experience one of the greatest rivalries in world sport live, and we also know how strongly supporters from all over Australia and the Pacific embrace travelling to be part of State of Origin experience.

“State of Origin brings people together like few events can. It’s an opportunity to grow the game, reward our existing fans and welcome new audiences who may be experiencing Rugby League live for the very first time — and they are in for something truly special.

“We sincerely thank the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council Events for their support and investment in making this historic event possible,” Abdo said.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston expects the event to attract over 10,000 Australian visitors, generating an estimated $17.4 million for the local economy.