The Wallabies will play in Canberra for the first time in more than four years when they host Argentina on 2 October as part of the Rugby Championship.
It’ll be a special occasion for Scott Sio, Nic White, and the entire Brumbies contingent in the Wallabies squad.
The last time the Wallabies played in Canberra was against Argentina in 2017, with Australia running out convincing winners 45-20.
Sio, who took the field in that match, said it was an “unreal” experience to represent his country at his home ground.
“Having spent my whole Super Rugby career here at the Brumbies it was a pretty special moment,” he said.
“I know there’s a few boys in the squad who will be looking forward to the opportunity there as well.”
White didn’t get to suit up on that occasion, White said it would be a dream come true to represent his country in Canberra should the opportunity present later in the year.
“As Brumbies players it’s a dream come true to be able to don the jersey and play at GIO Stadium,” he said.
“There will be a lot of Brumbies guys in that squad certainly circling that week and making sure they leave no stone unturned.”
According to Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson, Rugby Australia has been engaged with the ACT Government “for a while now” to secure the fixture.
“The rugby supporters from not only Canberra but the region and interstate can hopefully be able to get here and support their national team,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said having an international fixture of this ilk is something for the Canberra community to look forward to “during these Covid times”.
“We know Canberrans love their sport and will come out in numbers when it’s safe to do so,” she said.
Australia will also face the Pumas at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, in a re-match of their dramatic 15-all draw at the same venue last year.
In other Test matches and venues announced on Wednesday, the Wallabies and world champions South Africa will square off at the SCG on September 12.
The Test will be the Springboks’ first overseas Test match since their Rugby World Cup victory in Japan in 2019.
South Africa skipped last year’s internationals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The confirmation of the three Tests finalises the Wallabies’ domestic schedule with Australia to also take on the All Blacks in Perth on Saturday, August 21 and South Africa on Saturday, September 18 in Brisbane.
Wallabies Test schedule
New Zealand v Wallabies, Saturday August 7 at Eden Park, Auckland at 5.05pm AEST*
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday August 21 at Optus Stadium, Perth at 9.00pm AEST*
New Zealand v Wallabies, Saturday August 28 at Sky Stadium, Wellington at 5.05pm AEST*
South Africa v Wallabies, Sunday September 12 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney at 3.00pm AEST
Wallabies v South Africa, Saturday September 18 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 3.00pm AEST
Wallabies v Argentina, Saturday September 25 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle at 7.45pm AEST
Argentina v Wallabies, Saturday October 2 at GIO Stadium in Canberra at 8pm AEST
*forms part of the 2021 Bledisloe Cup Series.
With AAP
For more news:
