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Anzac Test expected to boost rugby popularity in NZ
Elena Abbott • June 30th, 2026 11:14 am
All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard during the 2025 Bledisloe Cup | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Bledisloe Cup contests will start early next year, with a biannual Anzac Test between the All Blacks and Wallabies in Brisbane.
Organisers believe it will not only create more excitement for international rugby, but will strengthen Super Rugby.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy that the relationship between them and Rugby Australia is crucial for the growth of the sport.
“One of the things I've recognised really early in my tenure is just how important Rugby Australia is to us as a partner, how important the market is in Australia for us," Lancaster said.
“We think that it's going to be really additive to Super Rugby and actually create even more interest."
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
This comes after confirmation that Moana Pasifika will be leaving the Super Rugby Pacific competition for the 2027 season at least, dropping the participation to 10 teams.
"We are as disappointed as anyone that they're not going to be in the competition next year. We passionately believe in the importance of rugby to the whole Oceania region."
Waning Super Rugby popularity isn’t the only issue that NZ Rugby hopes to resolve.
There are concerns about the suitability of New Zealand stadiums hosting international matches, with all three planned Anzac Tests being played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Taine Randell on the 2026 All Blacks | Millsy & Guy
A sold-out Te Kaha stadium in Christchurch will host the All Blacks vs France this weekend, but questions were raised over sales at HNRY Stadium in Wellington for the Italy match.
Lancaster said that although it isn’t yet sold out, there are positive signs.
“Wellington's an important city, it's an important province for us, and they've got a great venue and a strong rugby public.
“We're still anticipating that we'll have a full house in Wellington and again, at Eden Park as well,” he explained.
The inaugural World Rugby Nations Championship is set to kick-off July 4 at 7.10pm (NZT).
Listen to the full interview below:
