Wallabies to return to Newcastle for July Test against Fiji before tackling the British and Irish Lions

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has welcomed a match for Australia against Fiji ahead of the highly anticipated British and Irish Lions Test series.

The Wallabies will warm up for this year’s three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions with a game against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6.

The match at McDonald Jones Stadium will be Fiji’s first Test in Australia since 2017.

It was also been the Wallabies first match in Newcastle since a 15-15 draw against Argentina on November 21, 2020.

“It will be great to get the squad together and to have a genuine Test match prior to the British and Irish Lions series.” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.

Schmidt predicted Fiji would be “tough to beat”.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt expects a ‘tough’ encounter against Fiji in Newcastle. Picture: Warren Little/Getty Images

“In their bid to make the (2023 Rugby World Cup) semi-finals, Fiji were just six points shy of beating England,” he said.

“They beat Wales in Cardiff last November, and bring a physicality and flair that makes them entertaining to watch and tough to beat.”

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper said: “It’s going to be one of the biggest years ever for rugby with all eyes to be on Newcastle for the Wallabies’ last and only match before the highly-anticipated British and Irish Lions series.”

It will be the 24th Test meeting between Australia and Fiji, with the Wallabies holding a 19-3 winning advantage in a 23-match record that includes one draw.

The Wallabies’ Test series against the Lions starts on July 19 in Brisbane, and includes matches in Melbourne (July 26) and Sydney (August 2).

Meanwhile, Newcastle will also host a match between Australia’s women’s rugby team, the Wallaroos, and New Zealand’s Black Ferns on May 10.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said: “Newcastle fans are passionate supporters of both men’s and women’s sport so I have no doubt these upcoming fixtures will attract big crowds.”