Countdown begins: 100 days until Wallabies face Italy in Perth

• 100 days to go until Australia's Wallabies take on Italy at HBF Park
• Perth match part of inaugural Nations Championship where rugby nations from the Northern and Southern hemispheres go head-to-head
• Events are part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to boost the tourism sector and support local jobs and businesses

Perth continues to cement its position as a major host of rugby events, with just 100 days to go until Australia's Wallabies take on Italy as part of the inaugural Nations Championship.

The highly anticipated match on Saturday, 18 July at HBF Park is one of only two chances for fans to see the Wallabies play on Western Australian soil in 2026, with the Australian side set to face South Africa at Optus Stadium for the Mandela Challenge Plate in September.

Both matches, which were secured by the Cook Government, are expected to attract thousands of out-of-state visitors to Western Australia, and will be broadcast live to an international audience of millions, shining a global spotlight on Perth and its world-class event facilities.

Set to take place every two years, the Nations Championship debuts in July 2026 and will feature 12 teams from elite rugby nations in a Northern versus Southern Hemisphere format across six rounds.

The teams representing the Southern Hemisphere group include SANZAAR nations: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It also includes two invitational teams: Japan and Fiji. The Northern Hemisphere line-up includes rugby nations England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, creating a fierce cross hemisphere rivalry.

The two international fixtures build on Australia's golden decade of rugby, with Perth continuing to shine as a premier host city for major rugby events including a sold-out Bledisloe Cup in 2025, the annual Rugby SVNS series secured for Perth through to 2028, and the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup Australia, which will open in Perth next year.

Hosting blockbuster events like these underscores the Cook Government's commitment to economic diversification through tourism, building a year-round events calendar that attracts visitors to the State, generating valuable visitor spend for local businesses and jobs.

Find out more at nationschampionshiprugby.com and secure tickets at ticketmaster.com.au

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

"The countdown is officially on with just 100 days to go until the Wallabies showdown against Italy in the inaugural Nations Championship - an exciting new rugby event that is set to thrill rugby fans and draw visitors to Perth to cheer on our national team as they take on Italy.

"The Cook Government recognises the enormous value major events bring to our State -creating immeasurable global exposure for our capital city and drawing out-of-state visitors who fill our restaurants, cafes, and hotels, which support local jobs and businesses.

"Such events are integral to the Cook Government's economic diversification agenda, bolstering the local tourism sector, enhancing the State's reputation as a world-class host of major sporting events, and extending the tourism season during the winter months."

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:

"We have a proud history of rugby union in WA, and I look forward to welcoming Italy's rugby team to our State for the first time.  

"The match is a great occasion for supporters of both nations here in Perth and from around the world to be part of something special. 

"Bringing international fixtures like this to WA is all about inspiring local fans, while at the same time boosting the local economy and supporting small businesses."