Wallaroos to play Japan in two-Test series in July

The continued development and investment into the Australian women’s rugby team has drawn more nations to face them Down Under in 2019.

Mahalia Murphy of the Wallaroos. Pic: AAP

THE Wallaroos will play their most Tests ever in Australia this year with the announcement of two matches in July against Japan.

Along with the Test against New Zealand already locked in at Perth in August, the three Tests make for the most the side have played at home in one year.

Newcastle and Sydney will host the Japan games on Saturday, July 13 and Friday July 19 at Newcastle No. 2 Sports Ground and North Sydney Oval.

Wallaroos Tests against New Zealand have become more regular in recent years. Pic: Getty Images

The Hunter region is one of the strongest for women’s rugby and Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said these matches were a good chance to showcase the country’s best talent to future players.

“We are committed to providing more high-quality fixtures for our Buildcorp Wallaroos and giving Rugby fans, particularly aspiring young girls, more exposure to the stars of our women’s game to inspire the next generation. This series is another step on that journey,” Castle said.
“We are also excited to announce the opening match of the series will be played in Newcastle, which continues to prove itself as a passionate hub for Women’s Rugby.
“The second match will be played at North Sydney Oval, which has witnessed some famous achievements in women’s sport as well as Club Rugby in recent years and was also the venue for the first ever Buildcorp Wallaroos Test match back in 1994.”

Both matches will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Kayo.
Wallaroos fixtures
Saturday 13 July
Australia v Japan, Newcastle Sportsground Number 2, Newcastle
Friday 19 July
Australia v Japan, North Sydney Oval, Sydney

Saturday 10 August
Australia v New Zealand, Optus Stadium, Perth
Saturday 17 August 
Australia v New Zealand, Eden Park, Auckland