Perth welcomes Pumas for first time

History will be made this weekend when the Qantas Wallabies take on Argentina for the first time on Western Australian soil.

  • Argentina to take on Qantas Wallabies at Patersons Stadium

  • First time Pumas have played in WA

  • Supported by State Government, through Eventscorp

History will be made this weekend when the Qantas Wallabies take on Argentina for the first time on Western Australian soil.

The Pumas joined The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship (tri-Nations) last year and will become the 10th nation to play international rugby in Western Australia.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said that since 1998, 19 international rugby matches had been played in Perth, attracting strong crowds and global television coverage.

"Rugby's popularity in WA continues to grow," Mrs Harvey said.

"As well as international matches, the introduction of the Western Force to the Super Rugby competition in 2006 has also contributed to the game's increased profile in the State.

"The State Government, through Eventscorp, is proud to support this match as part of a three-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union."

Under the deal, which was struck last year, the Qantas Wallabies have played a Test match against South Africa while the British & Irish Lions took on the Western Force as part of their recent Australian tour.  Next year, the Springboks will return to Perth to take on the Wallabies.

The Minister said tomorrow's match was shaping up to be an exciting contest.

"The Wallabies will be looking to find some form against the Pumas who have played a couple of closely fought games over the past few weeks," she said.

"It will also be the final opportunity to see the Qantas Wallabies in Australia in 2013 so I encourage all rugby fans to get along to Patersons Stadium on Saturday, cheer on the team and enjoy a great game of international Test rugby."

        Fact File

Minister's office - 6552 5900