Grand Slam champs head to Aus capital
Six Nations Grand Slam champions Wales will play the Brumbies in a mid-week game on their tour of Australia next month.
Wales, who are playing three internationals against Australia, will take on the Super Rugby franchise at the Canberra Stadium on June 12, officials said.
The Brumbies, who are leading the Australian Conference in the southern hemisphere provincial championship, have no games in the June 3 to 29 Test window period, enabling them to schedule a match against the Welsh.
The Wallabies face Wales in three Tests in Brisbane on June 9, Melbourne on June 16 and Sydney on June 23.
Wales haven’t played a Brumbies team since 1996, when they were beaten convincingly by the home side, 69-30 at Canberra Stadium.
Brumbies Rugby Chief Executive Andrew Fagan said he was excited to host the Grand Slam champions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for people in the ACT to get out and see one of the world’s best international sides on their own doorstop,” Fagan said.
“Claiming the Six Nations tournament undefeated has confirmed Wales as an international powerhouse, particularly considering their strong showing at last year’s World Cup.
“With the four week break, this will be the only chance fans get to see the Brumbies play in the ACT during June and we would encourage all our fans to get along in support.”
From the playing side, coach Jake White said the game would prove valuable experience for his young team, many of whom have never faced international opposition.
“We have a lot of young guys in this team who wouldn’t have come up against an international team like Wales. This will be a big test for them,” White said.
“The Welsh were one of the teams which impressed at the World Cup in New Zealand and clearly they haven’t slowed down, claiming the Six Nations undefeated.”
The mid-week fixture will be the only non-Test the Welsh will play while in Australia.
Wales tour schedule:
Saturday, June 9: FIRST TEST, Brisbane
Tuesday, June 12: v Brumbies, Canberra
Saturday, June 16: SECOND TEST, Melbourne
Saturday, June 23: THIRD TEST, Sydney
