In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — Donoghoe backs Bati big men to clear a path to semis
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Fiji Bati sets sights on semi-final berth
3. RUGBY — Gert Small impressed by Flying Fijians’ work ethic
4. RUGBY — HSBC SVNS 3 returns to Dubai for a bumper weekend of rugby sevens
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs in box seat to sign Young as Raiders pull offer
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Walker shock as Roosters pull contract extension offer
7. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘You can’t get that anywhere else’: Inside PNG’s unrivalled passion for rugby league
8. FOOTBALL — New Zealand bow out of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco
9. RUGBY— World Rugby reveals Women’s 15s Player, Breakthrough Player and Try of the Year nominees for 2026
10. RUGBY — Wallabies confirm MCG for 2027 Bledisloe blockbuster with All Blacks
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Donoghoe backs Bati big men to clear a path to semis
BRISBANE, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Bati star Kurt Donoghoe believes the performance of Fiji’s unheralded forwards against Australia proves they can match it with New Zealand’s powerhouse pack in Saturday’s sudden-death clash at Cbus Super Stadium.
Stepping into the five-eighth role, Donoghoe steered the Bati to their closest result against the Kangaroos in eight World Cup meetings – going down 36-22 after scores had been locked 16-16 with 25 minutes to play.
The Dolphins utility came up with three try assists and three line break assists in a man-of-the-match performance but he was quick to praise his team’s forwards for taking the game up to their more fancied rivals.
Sea Eagles lock Caleb Navale, Knights prop Jacob Saifiti, Eels second-rower Kitione Kautoga, former Rabbitoh Taane Milne and Warrington-bound rookie Mitch Prest all stood tall in the pressure cooker atmosphere at The Cauldron.
“I was so happy to see how they went and how they turned up and I’ve got no doubt in my mind they can do it again next week,” Donoghoe said.
“It’s going to be a tough game. We know they’ve got a big pack, a big powerful pack, but you look at what our pack done to Australia’s pack.”
The loss leaves the Bati needing to beat the Kiwis on Saturday to qualify for their fourth World Cup semi-final appearance since 2008 as both teams have lost to Australia and beaten Cook Islands.
Donoghoe believes the lessons from the match against Australia will be what helps his side next weekend at Cbus Super Stadium.
“We’ll recover and regroup and we’ll try to repeat what we’ve done against Australia,” Donoghoe said.
“We can’t get too happy or excited with what happened, at the end of the day we didn’t win, so there’s a few things we need to look at to try and get the win next week.”
Fiji have played Australia on eight occasions in World Cups but their previous closest defeat was by 32 points and Donoghoe revealed how he used the statistic as motivation.
“I actually read that stat this morning and I think it actually fired me up, and a lot of the boys up,” Donoghoe told NRL.com.
“You know a big thing we had going into the game was just belief. Just keep believing in one another and keep turning up for one another, and I’m really proud of the way the boys did that tonight.”
Donoghoe’s sublime ball-playing had the crowd of 41,118 on their feet as three cut-out passes landed on the chest of winger Semei Valemei for tries.
“I went straight up to Kurt after the game and I was like, ‘where’d that cut-out come from’, he’s never thrown one in training,” said skipper Api Koroisau.
Donoghoe, who spent majority of the year at the Dolphins playing lock, reflected on the positional switch coming into this tournament before telling NRL.com he’d be available to play five-eighth at clubland if coach Kristian Woolf wanted him to.
“I haven’t played much [five-eighth] the last few years, but I used to play there a lot, so I really enjoyed being back in that role,” he said.
“It was something different, but I was happy for the challenge and I really enjoyed it. Whatever the Dolphins or Woolfie want me to do then yes, I suppose I would [play in the halves].”
For now, the 24-year-old’s focus is enjoying every minute of camp, building new relationships and representing his grandmother.
“It’s a lot different to NRL. It’s a different bond, different vibe, but you’re just with each other all the time. It’s so much fun, you make friends for life and I’m really enjoying it,” he said.
“Last week I got to play in Newcastle, which is where I’m from, and I had a lot of family and friends there, and then even tonight, I had some Queensland family here.
“It was really good, especially to represent my grandmother and that side of the family. I just I like to see all my family happy to see me do well on the field,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Fiji Bati sets sights on semi-final berth
BRISBANE, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Fiji Bati captain Apisai Koroisau believes that if they continue the same work ethic against New Zealand like they did to Australia last night, they can go all the way for the win.
A win over New Zealand books the Bati a spot in the semi-finals.
He says the next few days will be crucial for the team as they go over their loss to the defending champions and work on their weaknesses.
The Bati fell short of a historic win against the Kangeroos after giving them a good run for their money despite going down 32-26.
He says the way they stood up against the side, especially their younger players, shows the growth of the team in the short time they’ve been together.
“I think even before the game, heading into this one, we had a lot of belief, and we showed that in the way we played in the first half, you know what we’re willing to do for the jersey. And I believe this belief has only grown, you know, going into this next game against New Zealand, at the end of the day the result will be the result but we believe we can go out there and do the job.”
Fiji Bati will play against New Zealand on Saturday….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Gert Small impressed by Flying Fijians’ work ethic
TOKYO, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Former Springboks assistant coach, Gert Small, says he’s been impressed by the Flying Fijians’ work ethic after six training sessions with the team ahead of their Test with Japan last week.
Small, who has coached in Ireland and Zimbabwe, says the early sessions focused on introducing new structures and ideas.
He says the players have worked hard to take them on board.
Small worked with head coach Jake White in 2007 and believes Fiji’s natural skills and athleticism could help build a powerful team, provided they add structure to their game.
“Because we knew if they get a little bit of more structure in the game and use the skills that they (have and the athletes that they have, you can build a powerful team”
The upcoming Nations Championship will give the team a chance to test its systems and skills against top-level opposition, and see how it handles pressure.
Small says it’s still early days and the team is not yet the finished product.
But he said the coaches and players will give their best and hope to make Flying Fijians fans proud…. PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
HSBC SVNS 3 returns to Dubai for a bumper weekend of rugby sevens
DUBLIN, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—HSBC SVNS 3 will return to Dubai on 27-28 November 2026, taking place alongside the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027.
HSBC SVNS 3 represents an important step on the pathway to the highest level of international rugby sevens, providing teams with the opportunity to progress through World Rugby’s global competition structure.
The tournament will feature six men’s and six women’s teams, who qualify through regional competitions. The top two men’s and women’s teams will secure promotion to HSBC SVNS 2, which will be contested across three rounds in Nairobi, São Paulo and Montevideo in early 2027.
Hong Kong China, Canada, Italy, Chile, Zimbabwe and Samoa have already qualified for the men’s HSBC SVNS 3 competition, while China, Mexico, Poland, Colombia and Samoa have secured their places in the women’s competition. The remaining teams will be confirmed following the conclusion of regional qualification tournaments.
World Rugby Sevens World Series General Manager Sam Pinder said: “The return of HSBC SVNS 3 to Dubai is another important moment for the development of international rugby sevens and our ambition to create meaningful opportunities for more nations to compete on the global stage.
“Bringing HSBC SVNS 3 together with HSBC SVNS provides a fantastic platform to showcase the depth of talent across the game, from teams looking to take the next step to the world’s best competing at the highest level.
“With promotion to HSBC SVNS 2 at stake, there is plenty to play for, and we’re looking forward to an exciting weekend of rugby sevens in Dubai.”
HSBC SVNS 3 will kick off on Friday 27 November, with the finals taking place on Saturday 28 November, as teams compete for the opportunity to progress to the next level of international competition.
Dubai marks the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, with the world’s top eight men’s and women’s teams competing and New Zealand returning to defend both titles won at last year’s event.
The series will then travel to Cape Town, Singapore, Perth, Vancouver and New York before the HSBC SVNS World Championship takes place in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux in April and May 2027.
The global competition structure provides a clear pathway for teams competing in HSBC SVNS 3 to progress through HSBC SVNS 2 and ultimately reach the highest level of the sport, with the opportunity to compete for the HSBC SVNS World Championship title.
The pools and match schedule for the HSBC SVNS is now available, with fans able to look forward to a packed weekend of international rugby sevens action. The HSBC SVNS3 match schedule will be confirmed once all the teams have qualified. …PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
PNG Chiefs in box seat to sign Young as Raiders pull offer
CANBERRA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Canberra have sensationally pulled their offer to star back-rower Hudson Young, with the PNG Chiefs now in prime position to secure the NSW star’s signature.
The Raiders issued a statement on Monday confirming they had “withdrawn their latest contract offer to Hudson Young” after putting a four-year $4.4 million (US$3,08 million) deal to him.
The Chiefs, who initially came in with a $900,000(US$631,000) per season lure, are now ready to pounce and add forward punch to their already star-studded backline for the club’s 2028 entry to the NRL.
“The club’s offer to Hudson and his management was intended to keep him at the Raiders for the rest of his career, as an integral part of the club and a potential future leader,” the Raiders said.
“The offer that was made was the largest in club history. As a club, we believe we have done all we can to keep Hudson in Canberra.
“However, negotiations have been ongoing since June, and the club needed an answer before the end of October so they could plan for the future.”
Young, 28, made his NRL debut with the Raiders in 2019 and has played 155 games for them, while representing Australia in six Tests and playing nine State of Origin matches for NSW.
How much the Chiefs will have to pay to secure Young is still up for discussion.
The NRL initially established Young’s market value at $1.1 million (US$777 million) in the wake of PNG Chiefs making him an offer of $900,000 (US$631,000).
That tax-free package would have meant he’d take home far more in his pay packet than the Raiders’ offer of $200,000 (US$140,000) more per season.
The salary cap auditor revised Young’s value to $1 million (US$700 million), still higher than the Chiefs were prepared to go.
However ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has since told Nine Newspapers that players can seek to challenge their “official” market value and make their own submissions to the salary cap auditor.
“Let’s say a player wanted to be with his family or there are other specific reasons. We just don’t want the salary cap rorted. However, we know that at times there are exceptional circumstances, so we take those exceptional circumstances into account,’ V’landys said.
“We won’t have a situation where people manipulate the salary cap. The unfortunate thing is with the tax-free status of PNG, we have to be extra cautious with the market value of the players there,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Walker shock as Roosters pull contract extension offer
SYDNEY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (AAP)—Sam Walker’s future at the Sydney Roosters is uncertain after the club pulled a contract extension offer to the premiership winning halfback.
The 24-year-old Walker, a Roosters fan as a child, has stated on several occasions to AAP in the past month that he wanted to get an extension beyond 2027 sorted at the club.
This year he has represented Queensland with distinction on his State of Origin series debut.
He then debuted for Australia in a 36-22 win over Fiji on Sunday night at No.7 after winning the NRL premiership with the Roosters, returning a week before the grand final in all-time record-equalling time from a syndesmosis injury.
Walker said before his Kangaroos bow against the Bati that he wanted to get through the match before considering his extension talks.
“My preference is obviously to stay at the Roosters,” he said.
That aspiration is now in considerable doubt after the Roosters on Monday night dropped a bombshell statement
“The Sydney Roosters have this evening advised the management of Sam Walker that the club’s offer for a contract extension beyond the 2027 season has been withdrawn after the parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms,” the statement said.
“The club remains focused on maintaining a premiership-winning roster, with all recruitment and retention decisions made to support the strength, balance and long-term success of the playing squad.”
The bottom line is that Walker’s management and the Roosters have not been able to reach agreement on his long-term value.
Walker, who has played 109 NRL games for the Roosters since his NRL debut in 2021, is contracted to the Tricolours in 2027.
If he is unable to revisit contract talks with the Roosters then he will be the most sought after half in the game after 01 November. ….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
‘You can’t get that anywhere else’: Inside PNG’s unrivalled passion for rugby league
PORT MORESBY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (NRL)—Junior Paulo ended up even.
There was the knitted hat he was proudly wearing after the game, and the bilum around his neck. “But I don’t have any shorts on and I don’t have a jersey,” the 32-year-old grinned after Samoa’s 64-6 win over Papua New Guinea at a cacophonous Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday.
Jermain McEwen took off – and signed – his boots before giving them to a cherubic pair of ball kids. Stephen Crichton was down to his undies, signing warm-up tops and singlets.
The plan was for the players to acknowledge the fans at fulltime but not get too close for fear of over-enthusiasm becoming a security risk. That didn’t last. Spencer Leniu removed his socks for a fan who was embracing him through the fence and later climbed into the stands to pose for an entire rugby league team.
Welcome to Port Moresby – home of the NRL’s newest team – three days after the launch of their jersey and logo.
On Wednesday a manager at Samoa’s hotel – the same one that hosted the PNG Chiefs’ breakfast function – could be heard telling his star-struck staff: “They’ll be here all week – you’ll have plenty of time to look at them”.
Your correspondent first came to PNG with the Australian team that toured Kokopo, Goroka, Mt Hagan, Lae and Moresby in 1991; a venture that was not only pioneering in a rugby league sense but often felt like we were doing something that not many Australians ever experience.
It was never repeated and never will be.
Police wanted to shoot the locks off a gate when the key was lost after one game. Tear gas wafted over the ground during another. Rocks came over the fence when the sold out sign went up at another.
The local papers ran my AAP match previews right next to the match reports the day after the games and one paper had simply photocopied Rugby League Week and republished a centre spread.
Fans would sit outside the hotels shouting players’ names all night: “Skintight – Illawarra flash!” for Rod Wishart, with a special fascination for the biggest player, Martin Bella, and the smallest, Geoff Toovey.
We attended tribal meetings in the Highlands, and there were gifts thrown successfully through half-open windows of speeding minibuses.
I returned in 2001 with Chris Anderson’s Kangaroos – watching the Aussies’ 54-10 win from the reserves bench – and hadn’t been back since.
Bear in mind that in 1991 the Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Giants were only three years old. As I was reading my story out each night to a copytaker in Sydney (‘that’s K-U-M-U-L’’, full stop’), no one could have conceived of Papua New Guinea having a team in the Australian competition.
Much has changed. There is construction all over Port Moresby, modern hotels and offices, and Lloyd Robson Oval is now the Santos National Football Stadium.
Not far from where I once sat on the bench for Australia – be thankful coach Anderson didn’t need me that day – I watched the crowd cheer on Saturday the way you might greet your team winning a premiership as Samoa received the ball back from the kick-off, Gairo Voro picked up and was driven back 10 metres by three Samoans and Morea Morea caught the ball on the full.
“It’s one of those things you can’t describe because you’ve just got to be here to witness it,” Paulo said.
“The scenes on the way here, just outside of the stadium … seeing the kids, the smiles on their faces, you just can’t get that anywhere else besides here because you just see how much it means to them.”
They don’t sing and chant like English crowds, but they don’t just cheer tries and big hits like Australasian audiences either.
Instead, there is an aural representation of absolutely everything that happens on the field – captain’s challenges, players tripping over, good tackles, bad tackles, scrum wins. You could sit at the NFS in a blindfold and have a pretty good idea of what’s going on.
In two years, this will happen every second week. And those who’ve not experienced it will be shocked.
“In terms of being a team that’s an away team, it’s going to be a challenge to come and play here” said Gardiner.
“We actually talked at halftime in terms of ‘there’s no silencing this crowd, they’re here to enjoy the footy’ and we had to talk internally to make sure our communication was right in bringing the game back to our terms instead of being influenced by the crowd.
“When teams come here, whether it’s for Test matches or NRL down the track, there’s going to be this emphatic crowd that’s going for the home team. You’ve just got to embrace it, really.”
PNG Chiefs manager of football, Michael Chammas, missed Wednesday’s launch with a stomach bug but was out on the field at fulltime on Saturday. He says fans here – like in Brisbane, Canberra, Townsville, Wollongong and everywhere else that got their own teams – will support the opposition at first.
For visiting fans, the unbridled adulation for the game here will warm their hearts and even recharge their own passion. The barefoot kids wearing NRL merch, chasing buses carrying players – or even match officials – is hard to forget.
There has been much talk in PNG of the Kokoda Track.
RLPA chief Clint Newton was at the World Cup game, having just walked it with a group of Pasifika players such as Alex Glenn and Ben Murdoch-Masilla, conducting coaching clinics along the way.
At Wednesday’s jersey launch, PNG Chiefs chair Catherine Harris spoke of her father being rescued and carried to safety when wounded on The Track in World War II.
Afterwards, PNG prime minister James Marape addressed the pachyderm in the ballroom directly: “To every Australian taxpayer, I want to say one thing: the effort of your government is not in vain.
“As in 1945, we will always be there for you. This is a place of investment, of relationships, of co-existence; as it was in the past. Our children must co-exist and in sports they find that unity. Your investment will be returned in many, many ways.”
Just like Junior Paulo’s investment of his shorts and jersey….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
New Zealand bow out of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco
AUCKLAND, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign has ended with a spirited 2-0 defeat to group winners Germany in Morocco.
After earlier losses to hosts Morocco and Argentina, Alana Gunn’s side finished fourth in Group A, while Germany advanced to the knockout rounds with a perfect record of three wins from three.
Germany controlled possession and created a succession of first-half chances, but New Zealand goalkeeper Nienke Holland produced a string of saves to keep them at bay. The resistance was finally broken two minutes into added time when Laura Ernst rose highest at a corner and headed home the opener.
Germany carried that momentum into the second half, doubling their advantage in the 56th minute through Clara Choisy.
New Zealand’s task became even tougher four minutes later when Emmie Butler was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Reduced to 10 players, Gunn’s side continued to compete with determination and prevented Germany from adding to the score.
GERMANY 2 (Laura ERNST 45+2’, Clara CHOISY 56’)
NEW ZEALAND 0..PACNEWS
IRELAND – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
World Rugby reveals Women’s 15s Player, Breakthrough Player and Try of the Year nominees for 2026
DUBLIN, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Eight outstanding players from six nations have been shortlisted in recognition of their exceptional performances and impact throughout the international season, reflecting the depth of talent and growing competitiveness of the women’s game.
The winners of both awards will be revealed this weekend, with trophies presented following the players’ final WXV Global Series matches.
The announcement also marks the opening of the fan vote for the IRPA Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026, with four memorable tries shortlisted by the International Rugby Players’ Association and supporters around the world invited to select the winner.
Since their inception in 2001, the World Rugby Awards have recognised and celebrated achievements at the highest level of the game, honouring the players and individuals whose exceptional performances, dedication and contributions embody the values of rugby.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2026
The Women’s 15s Player of the Year remains one of the most prestigious individual honours in the sport. Four outstanding internationals have been shortlisted following exceptional performances throughout the 2026 season.
Zoe Harrison (England)
A commanding presence at fly-half, Harrison has been instrumental in directing England’s attack with her game management, tactical kicking and ability to deliver in decisive moments. Her match-winning interception try against New Zealand in September underlined her composure and influence in the biggest contests.
Megan Jones (England)
A key figure in the Red Roses’ backline, Jones has continued to demonstrate her versatility, attacking threat and defensive qualities throughout 2026. Equally influential with and without the ball, the experienced centre has also taken on the captaincy of the world champions.
DaLeaka Menin (Canada)
A cornerstone of Canada’s forward pack, Menin has continued to impress with her physicality, powerful scrummaging and tireless work around the field. The experienced tight-head prop has been a key figure in Canada’s front row, providing a strong platform for her team’s performances against the world’s leading nations.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand)
A dynamic presence in the Black Ferns’ back row, Olsen-Baker has showcased her powerful ball-carrying, athleticism and relentless work-rate throughout the year. Her ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball has made her an important figure in New Zealand’s forward pack.
In addition to the final shortlist, the selection panel recognised several players whose standout performances throughout 2026 warranted special commendation in Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, New Zealand tight-head prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and openside flanker Elinor-Plum King.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year 2026
The Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award celebrates emerging talents who have made an outstanding impact on the international stage in their debut year and demonstrated their potential to shape the future of the game.
This year’s shortlist features four exciting players representing Australia, France, New Zealand and USA, highlighting the next generation of talent across the global women’s game.
Pauline Barrat (France)
An exciting emerging talent in French rugby, Barrat has made a strong impression with her attacking instincts and confident performances on the international stage. Named Women’s Six Nations Breakthrough Player of the Tournament in 2026, she has quickly established herself as one of France’s most promising young players.
Elinor-Plum King (New Zealand)
An impressive addition to the Black Ferns’ forward pack, King has caught the eye with her physicality, defensive work and presence at the breakdown. The openside flanker has shown maturity beyond her experience, establishing herself as an exciting prospect in New Zealand’s back row.
Amelia Whitaker (Australia)
An exciting attacking talent, Whitaker has made her mark on the international stage with her pace, finishing ability and willingness to take on defenders. The Wallaroos winger has continued to grow in confidence throughout the WXV Global Series, including crossing for a try against Scotland.
Bella Vogel (USA)
One of the emerging talents for the Women’s Eagles, Vogel has earned recognition for her performances on the international stage in 2026. Her inclusion on the shortlist reflects her growing influence and potential as part of the next generation of American rugby talent.
International Rugby Players’ Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026
Four unforgettable tries have been shortlisted for the IRPA Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026, with rugby fans around the world invited to decide the winner.
Selected by the International Rugby Players’ Association, the nominations celebrate the attacking flair, creativity and skill on display across the international women’s game this season.
*Léa Champon – France, v Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, 9 May
*Pauline Bourdon Sansus – France, v England, Women’s Six Nations, 17 May
*Abi Burton – England, v Australia, WXV Global Series, 12 September
*Olivia Apps– Canada, v England, WXV Global Series, 19 September
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The quality of this year’s nominees is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication and ambition driving women’s rugby forward. From established international stars to exciting emerging players, each has made an outstanding contribution to the game in 2026.
“As women’s rugby continues to grow and reach new audiences around the world, it is important that we recognise the players whose performances inspire fans and the next generation. I congratulate all our nominees on their achievements and look forward to celebrating the very best of our sport through this year’s awards.”
Fans will have the opportunity to vote on social media to determine the winner of Try of the Year, with voting opening on Monday, 26 October and closing on Wednesday, 28 October.
The celebrations will conclude on Monday 2 November, with the unveiling of the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, recognising the outstanding performers who have defined the international season…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Tue 27 Oct 2026
Wallabies confirm MCG for 2027 Bledisloe blockbuster with All Blacks
SYDNEY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The Australian side of the Bledisloe Cup schedule has been confirmed for 2027, with the Wallabies set to play the All Blacks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of the Rugby Championship.
As part of a special multi-year agreement with Rugby Australia and the Victorian Government, Victorian fans will also see an additional Bledisloe Cup Test match brought to the city in 2029.
The clash at Australia’s largest ground, which will mark the 185th clash between the two rivals, will mark the second of several historic clashes in 2027 ahead of the Rugby World Cup, with the first being the inaugural Bledisloe Cup Test on Anzac Day at Suncorp Stadium.
As a result, the Bledisloe series will revert to a three-test competition, with a third test at an as-yet unconfirmed venue set to be played in New Zealand.
The MCG has proved a popular spot for rugby tests in recent years, with the Trans-Tasman rivals last playing at the ground back in 2023 in front of 83,944 fans – the largest rugby attendance in more than 20 years at the time.
The Cauldron then broke multiple records in 2025 during the Wallabies’ second test against the British & Irish Lions, with 90,307 in attendance, breaking the Lions’ all-time crowd record.
The Wallabies are set to play the All Blacks at least four times in 2027, the sides also set to meet in their second Pool A match of the Rugby World Cup at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with the sides also having a chance to meet again should they make the knockout matches.
“The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the world’s great stadiums – and a jewel in Australia’s sporting crown – and the Wallabies are proud to be hosting the All Blacks at the iconic venue in 2027,” Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said.
“The Wallabies and All Blacks have played only four previous Test matches at the MCG and this Bledisloe Cup encounter will mark 30 years since both teams took to the hallowed turf for the first time.
“The Wallabies and All Blacks have won two Tests apiece at the ‘G and another enthralling contest awaits next year.
“It is fitting that a year as significant for Australian Rugby as 2027 includes a blockbuster home Test match at the MCG.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our partners at the Victorian Government, Visit Victoria and New Zealand Rugby for bringing this exciting initiative to life.”….PACNEWS
