The Buildcorp Wallaroos will square off against Samoa’s National Women’s XVs side, the Manusina in the PacificAus Sports Wallaroos Samoa Series over two Test matches in July.
The opening Manusina Test will form the first half of a Test match doubleheader at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 17 July, when the Wallabies also face France in Brisbane.
Then, on Thursday 22 July, the Buildcorp Wallaroos will travel to Sydney for the second Test at Leichhardt Oval.
The two matches will serve as crucial preparation for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year, after it was postponed a year in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the Samoan team, who have yet to qualify, the matches provide vital game time together ahead of the final RWC repechage tournament later this year.
Both Buildcorp Wallaroos Tests against the Manusina will be ad-free, live and on demand with extended coverage on the Nine Network and Stan Sport.
The Test Series has been made possible thanks to funding from PacificAus Sports – a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Pacific Step-up initiative.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Andy Marinos said: “It’s great to see our Buildcorp Wallaroos back on the field in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.”
“Suncorp Stadium will be buzzing for the doubleheader. I know our players are desperate to go out there, put on a show and stake their own claim for World Cup selection. We will get a taste of the action next month with the Buildcorp Super W set for kick-off as well.
“Samoa is one of the fastest developing women’s rugby nations in the Oceania region and Rugby Australia is proud to partner with Lakapi Samoa, DFAT, as well as Oceania Rugby in developing further opportunities in the region,” Marinos said.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, HE Ms Sara Moriarty said that bringing Samoa and the Wallaroos together for the Test match series was a proud moment for the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program.
“It also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Samoa – reflecting the special status rugby plays in our relationship.
“Hosting Samoa in Australia will provide a vital competition opportunity for the talented team’s qualification journey for the 2022 Rugby World Cup, shining a spotlight on opportunities available for Samoan women and girls to achieve global success in sport.”
Tickets on sale for PacificAus Sports Wallaroos Samoa Series information:
Telstra Plus pre-sale from Wednesday 12 May 9am AEST
General Public from Tuesday 18 May 9am AEST
PacificAus Sports Wallaroos Samoa Series
Wallaroos v Samoa, Saturday 17 July, 5.00pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallaroos v Samoa, Thursday 22 July, 7.30pm AEST at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
