Preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Newcastle will ramp up early, with Japan and Ireland confirmed for an international rugby Test at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 11 July 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The match marks the first time both nations will play at Newcastle\u2019s premier stadium, delivering another major sporting coup for the region and reinforcing its growing reputation as a leading destination for world-class events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Japan's](\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/getmedia\/e8f4877d-1877-4460-a7e5-488f61f69808\/Rugby-test-MJ-stadium-WEB.jpg\")
Japan’s head coach Eddie Jones, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz and Venue Manager Dean Mantle at McDonald Jones Stadium with local rugby representativesJapan\u2019s head coach Eddie Jones was in Newcastle today to make the announcement, with the fixture forming part of the lead-up to the team\u2019s 2027 Rugby World Cup clash with Samoa at McDonald Jones Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This announcement reflects the Minns Labor Government\u2019s commitment to delivering major events and real economic opportunities for regional communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By backing world-class sport and entertainment in places like Newcastle, the Minns Labor Government is creating local jobs, investing in the regions, and ensuring communities across NSW share the benefits of a growing visitor economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newcastle has firmly cemented itself as a major event destination, with a strong calendar of marquee sporting and live entertainment events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alongside the Japan-Ireland clash, the city will host the Women\u2019s State of Origin, the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, and major concerts from global acts including the Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams and Guns N\u2019 Roses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The momentum will continue into next year, when Newcastle hosts four pool matches during the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These world-class events are transforming Newcastle into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating local jobs, supporting local businesses and showcasing the Hunter to the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Council\u2019s representative on Venues NSW Hunter Advisory Committee:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHosting a test between Japan and Ireland will further enhance our reputation as an events city, provide an opportunity to showcase our broader attractions to visiting players and fans, and deliver an economic boost to businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHaving already secured four pool matches as part of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, we\u2019re hopeful of being chosen as a home base for one or more international teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith Japan set to face Samoa in Newcastle as part of next year\u2019s tournament, the Brave Blossoms will get an early taste of what our city has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can feel the buzz for the 2027 Rugby World Cup already and it\u2019s a big win for our region, especially for local kids who\u2019ll get to see world-class rugby up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis July\u2019s a sneak peek of what\u2019s coming – international rugby back in town and a taste of what could be our most exciting World Cup yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is massive for the Hunter – we\u2019re set to welcome visitors from across the country and the globe, filling our hotels, cafes and coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith our international airport now open, this is exactly what it\u2019s all about – more visitors, more opportunities and a real boost for our region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n NSW Sports and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSecuring the Japan-Ireland international rugby Test is a huge win for Newcastle which has quickly become a powerhouse for major events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo have two world-class teams playing in Newcastle\u2019s own backyard will give fans a taste of what\u2019s to come when the 2027 Rugby World Cup comes to town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese major events are providing real benefit to the Hunter community, boosting the visitor economy and showcasing Newcastle on the global stage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJapan\u2019s Cherry Blossoms and Ireland\u2019s national team are two of the top teams in the game. It\u2019s destined to be a great match and I know Newcastle will turn out for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis announcement, alongside the Rugby World Cup in 2027, further confirms Newcastle as a premier sporting destination.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Newcastle will ramp up early, with Japan and Ireland confirmed for an international rugby Test at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday 11 July 2026. The match marks the first time both nations will play at Newcastle\u2019s premier stadium, delivering another major sporting coup for the region and … Continue reading “Newcastle scores an early try in road to Rugby World Cup 2027”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-newcastle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38562"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38563,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38562\/revisions\/38563"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.16news.com.au\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}