Wales to finish long season with Queensland Reds fixture in Brisbane
Wales will conclude their 11-month season with a match against Queensland Reds in Brisbane on July 19, following Tests against Australia and South Africa. This Queensland fixture marks the 18th match of Wales’ season that commenced on August 5, 2023, against England.
Expressing enthusiasm for Wales’ summer fixture list, head coach Warren Gatland stated, “I’m excited about the Wales fixture list this summer.” Last year, Wales underwent rigorous training camps in Switzerland and Turkey in July, followed by three World Cup warm-up games the next month. This was succeeded by five matches in the global tournament in France and an uncapped fixture against Barbarians in November.
Gatland highlighted the significance of facing South Africa at a neutral venue, describing it as a crucial experience for their young squad. He also expressed anticipation for the two Tests against Australia, acknowledging the challenge of playing in Australia and the expected determination of the Wallabies under new head coach Joe Schmidt. Gatland expressed satisfaction in adding a third fixture against Queensland Reds during their Australian tour.
The match against Queensland Reds will take place on a Friday following two Saturday internationals in Sydney and Melbourne. The last time Wales played at Suncorp Stadium was in 2012, resulting in a loss to the Wallabies.
Nigel Walker, WRU executive director of rugby, views the Queensland fixture as a fitting conclusion to their summer travels, reflecting on traditional tours when Test teams often played club sides. He anticipates Wales arriving in Brisbane prepared for the game.
This clash will mark the Reds’ first encounter with a major touring nation in two decades and their first match against Wales since 1991. Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) chief executive David Hanham emphasized the importance of tour games against the Reds, aiming to establish them as integral components of international tours to Australia.
Hanham highlighted upcoming events like the British and Irish Lions game against Queensland and the new Nations Championship, indicating numerous opportunities for fans to witness the Reds compete against top-flight opposition outside of Super Rugby.
