Events capital scores again with major rugby coup for Townsville

The Queensland Government is delivering a golden era of international Rugby for North Queensland with Townsville hosting three Wallabies Tests over four years and the Queensland Country Bank Stadium holding four pool matches at next year’s Rugby World Cup.

North Queensland is set to reap the economic and community benefits of major sporting events, with the Queensland Government further strengthening Queensland’s reputation as the events capital and home of sports in Australia.

The expanded focus on the regions will bring world-class Rugby closer to local communities, creating new opportunities for fans to see some of the best players in the world while also giving local economies a boost.

Wallabies coach Les Kiss leads a training exercise with Townsville juniors ahead of this year’s Test match against Japan Wallabies coach Les Kiss leads a training exercise with Townsville juniors ahead of this year’s Test match against Japan

In all, seven men’s international fixtures will be played in Townsville between 2027 and 2030, and Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham couldn’t be happier.

“This is an absolute coup for Queensland and for regional Queensland,” Mr Hanham said.

“Seven Tests – international standard rugby – it’s absolutely going to inspire the next generation of young boys and young girls and ignite their passion for the game.

“We’re inspired by what this can do for regional rugby across the board.”

While Queensland first hosted a rugby Test in 1899, with Australia losing 11-0 to the British Isles, it took until 2021 for the Wallabies to play anywhere in the state away from Brisbane. Townsville got its chance that year when the home side beat Argentina 27-8 in front of 23,000 fans.

Since then, Queensland Country Bank Stadium has hosted two more Wallabies Tests (in 2025 and this year against Japan) as the game has begun to grow further North.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium General Manager Cameron Jones said the announcement was a huge win for the Townsville community.

“Matches like these really put Townsville and Queensland Country Bank Stadium on the world stage and demonstrate what we are able to achieve for fans seeking all types of content,” Mr Jones said

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh thanked the Queensland Government for driving positive economic and tourism benefits through its support of the code and spreading it regionally.

“Since our first Test match 127 years ago, regional Queenslanders have proudly represented Australia on the international stage,” he said.

“It is therefore extremely pleasing to be bringing more Test matches than ever before to one of world rugby’s greatest talent nurseries.”

The partnership between the Queensland Government, Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia will see Queensland take centre stage on the international Rugby calendar with fixtures including:

  • 2027 - Australia v Argentina – Townsville (The Rugby Championship)
  • 2028 - Australia v South Africa – Brisbane (The Rugby Championship)
  • 2029 - Australia v Georgia – Townsville
  • 2030 - Australia v Argentina – Townsville (The Rugby Championship)

More information about Townsville’s scheduled rugby union Tests is available here or visit our Instagram.

Last updated:
31 August 2026