Wallabies showdown at HBF Park launches WA's Winter of Unmissable Sport

• The Wallabies - Australia's National Rugby Union team - take on Italy in Nations Championship match at HBF Park, on Saturday 18 July - kicking off a blockbuster calendar of sports
• One of two opportunities to watch the Wallabies play in Western Australia in 2026
• Events play an integral part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy, growing the tourism sector and supporting local jobs and businesses
• Winter of Unmissable Sport includes Italian football matches, Supercars, NRL showdown, and more.

Australia's Wallabies will take on Italy in Round Three of the inaugural Nations Championship, kicking off Western Australia's Winter of Unmissable Sport.

The match at HBF Park is one of only two opportunities for fans to see the Wallabies play on Western Australian soil in 2026, with a second blockbuster match against South Africa for the Mandela Challenge Plate set to take place on Sunday, 27 September at Optus Stadium.

Both Wallabies matches in 2026 are expected to attract thousands of visitors to Western Australia, injecting millions of dollars into the visitor economy, growing the tourism sector, and support local jobs and businesses.

The Australia and Italy showdown marks the first fixture of four-weeks of major events taking place across the State this winter, which will be followed by a packed schedule of AFL matches, the Italian Football Festival, Perth Super 440, an NRL showdown between Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Backroads Gravel, and the Avon Descent.

Rugby fans will get to witness some of their favourite Australian players in action at the games including WA homegrown star Carlo Tizzano, Western Force captain Jeremy Williams, and Olympian Dylan Pietsch.

The Nations Championship is a new global rugby competition showcasing a fierce Northern versus Southern Hemisphere rivalry across six rounds that will take place every two years.

The tournament features 12 teams, with the Southern Hemisphere represented by Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, and Fiji. The Northern Hemisphere line-up includes England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.

Both the Wallabies matches are supported by the Cook Labor Government, through Tourism WA, as part of the State's economic diversification strategy which aims to grow Western Australia's tourism sector.

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

Comments attributed to Acting Tourism Minister Dr Tony Buti:

"Western Australia's Winter of Unmissable Sport is set to deliver an incredible calendar of events, and it all kicks off tomorrow with an exciting Wallabies clash against Italy at HBF Park - with Perth playing a historic role by hosting Round Three of the inaugural Nations Championship.

"WA is a world-class host for major sporting events, and we are continuing to strengthen our reputation as the leading events destination in the South East Asia region by securing great events like these Wallabies matches.

"This four-week period of sporting action is expected to drive thousands of visitors to our State, filling hotels and venues, boosting local businesses, and supporting the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy."

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Wallabies are back, the atmosphere will be electric, and it's the perfect way to launch WA's Winter of Unmissable Sport.

"Over the coming weeks we'll see some of the biggest names in rugby, football, motorsport, and the NRL competing in Western Australia, giving locals and visitors every reason to get out and enjoy our incredible sporting calendar.

"Bringing events like this Nations Championship match to WA not only delivers fantastic experiences for supporters, it also inspires young athletes and strengthens participation in sport across our communities.

"This winter showcases exactly why WA is one of Australia's premier sporting destinations, with an incredible line-up of elite events alongside community sport taking place right across the State."