Rugby Australia has confirmed the Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth has been shifted a week to August 28 at Optus Stadium.
Originally slated for August 21, the Test will be the third and final match in the Bledisloe series as the second Test moves to New Zealand on Saturday 14 August, with the first two games set to be played at Eden Park.
The decision comes following the pause put on the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand following the recent outbreak of COVID across the country.
“It’s never an easy decision to adjust a schedule and firstly, I want to thank the Western Australian Government for their support and understanding as we continued to overcome hurdles,” RA CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
“The recent trans-Tasman bubble closure, New Zealand health orders and State border closures and lockdowns, have forced us to make number of changes but we’re incredibly excited about the schedule ahead.
“It is good news for Rugby fans in Western Australia with the Test set for Saturday 28 August. For any fan that had a ticket for the original date – please rest assured, you will be automatically transferred to the new date. If you now can’t make it though, you will be offered the opportunity for a full refund.
“We can’t wait for the team to run out at Optus Stadium and see another full house cheer on the Wallabies.”
As Marinos alluded to, ticketholders who purchased for the Test match originally scheduled for 21 August will have their tickets automatically transferred to the rescheduled match a week later, with those unable to attend able to process a full refund of their Wallabies v New Zealand ticket.
He also confirmed discussions remain underway for The Rugby Championship with Greater Sydney and further parts of the country still in lockdown.
“We’ll continue to work with our SANZAAR partners, as well as Governments as we confirm the schedule for the upcoming eToro Rugby Championship,” he added.
“It goes without saying that we will continue to work with the respective health authorities around Australia to ensure all events are safely delivered for fans, players and officials.”
New Zealand v Wallabies, Saturday 7 August at Eden Park, Auckland at 5.05pm AEST
New Zealand v Wallabies, Saturday 14 August at Eden Park, Auckland at 5.05pm AEST
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday 28 August at Optus Stadium, Perth at 6.00pm AWST
