Marvel Stadium To Host 2020 Bledisloe Test And Wallaroos

Rugby Australia has announced that Marvel Stadium in Melbourne will host a trans-Tasman double-header in 2020 with Sydney venues unavailable.

This announcement means the Wallabies will play New Zealand at the Docklands venue for the first time since 2010 and the Wallaroos will take on the Black Ferns in their first-ever Test in Melbourne.

The double-header is part of a deal between Rugby Australia and Visit Victoria that will see a Test match played in Melbourne every year through to 2025.

Rugby Australia chief executive, Raelene Castle, said the Wallabies winning back the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002 will be the highest priority for new coach, Dave Rennie.

“When you work with boys every day, be it athletes or players or staff, and the organisation, it’s so important that success comes with not only winning the Bledisloe, but also working hard to retain it,” Castle said.

“That’s what we are all searching to do, and I know that will be Dave’s number one mantra, and it is certainly Rugby Australia’s number one mantra.

“They (New Zealand) have a new Test coach as well so that’s going to be a great storyline as play them.

“The opportunity for it to be a doubleheader, which now is something we do every time we play the All Blacks, that’s important, and we know Melbourne will turn on a great show.

“Our Wallaby and Wallaroo double-header events in Australia have been extremely popular with fans in Sydney and Perth and we are looking forward to staging the first-ever double-header in front of a packed Marvel Stadium in Melbourne,” she said.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, said they are expecting a full crowd for the double-header event.

“Melbourne loves a big sporting event and the city has shown time and time again that it is a world-class host,” Mr Pakula said.

“We can’t wait to get there in August next year.

“Melbourne is the major events capital of Australia and the Bledisloe Cup certainly fits comfortably into that category.

“We’re excited to be welcoming the Bledisloe Cup to Victoria for the first time since 2010.

“Almost 30,000 people turned out at AAMI Park last year when the Wallabies hosted Ireland and we expect to top that at Marvel Stadium next August,” he said.

The Wallabies have had success at Marvel Stadium in the past, with 12 wins from their 15 tests played there, but they lost their only clash against the All Blacks there in 2010.