The Qantas Wallabies will play four Tests in the June tour window with their first match scheduled for Tuesday evening, 5 June, at Newcastle’s Ausgrid Stadium against Scotland.
Following the Newcastle showdown with Scotland, the Qantas Wallabies will play three Tests on successive Saturdays against their Rugby World Cup Bronze Final rivals Wales in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as part of the Castrol Edge Welsh Tour.
It will be the first time since 2001 – when the British and Irish Lions toured Australia – that the Wallabies will play a European heavyweight in a three-Test series across the June window.
On Saturday 9 June the Wallabies will step out against the Welsh at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since securing the Castrol Edge Tri Nations Trophy at the same ground last August with a win over the All Blacks.
The following Saturday 16 June the Qantas Wallabies and Wales will battle it out at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium and on Saturday 23 June Test Rugby will return to the Sydney Football Stadium for the final match in the Castrol Edge Welsh Tour.
ARU Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill A.O, said the return to the traditional June Tests was great news for Rugby fans.
“A return to a three-Test series as we will play against Wales is an opportunity to build anticipation, excitement and momentum during the course of the tour,” Mr O’Neill said.
“It is a long time since we have had that opportunity, to experience a heavyweight northern hemisphere opponent in our backyard for three Tests.
“I’m delighted too that Wales will be that opponent in 2012. I think all Australians understand what the Welsh are capable of in terms of exciting and attacking Rugby.
“They were unfortunate to lose to France in the Rugby World Cup semi-final, after playing with 14 men for most of the game, and they were certainly difficult opponents for the Wallabies in the Bronze Final. The challenge for our team next year will be huge.”
Welsh Rugby Union Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis said they are very much looking forward to Wales’ Summer Tour in 2012 when they head to Australia to play one of the finest and most exciting rugby playing nations.
“Wales and Australia were two of the best teams in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and it will be a mouth-watering opportunity for fans to see the two sides lock horns again,” Mr Lewis said.
“The Welsh fans proved that they are fantastic travelling support when they turned up in New Zealand creating a sea of red at all Wales’ fixtures and we are hope that the loyal expats will do Wales proud again when they have the opportunity to support the Welsh Team next summer.
“It is an ideal opportunity for Wales to be tested against one of the best teams around and challenge on a world stage.
“It will also be a fantastic experience for any Welsh players who are seeking to travel back to Australia with the British and Irish Lions the following year.”
Kick-off times and ticket on sale dates for all four June Tests will be announced in early 2012.
