Australia's Wallabies add a test in Japan to a big 2025 rugby schedule

SYDNEY (AP) — The Wallabies will play a test in Japan in October ahead of their European tour in what will be a packed international rugby schedule for Australia’s national team in 2025.

Australia and Japan will meet in Tokyo at the National Stadium on Oct. 25. The Wallabies have a 6-0 record in head-to-heads but haven't played in Japan since 2021.

It will be the first test between the two countries since Eddie Jones quit as Wallabies coach in the wake of a dismal Rugby World Cup campaign in 2023 and later returned to Japan for a second stint in charge of the Japanese men's team.

“As the hosts of the next men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, Australia’s visit is sure to evoke fond memories of our own World Cup in 2019 — not only for Brave Blossoms fans, but also for the large Wallaby contingent who contributed so much to the spectacle and atmosphere of the tournament," Japan rugby federation chairman Kensuke Iwabuchi said.

The Wallabies kick off their international season against Fiji on July 6 before taking on the British and Irish Lions on consecutive weekends in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney starting July 19.

That will be followed by Rugby Championship tests against World Cup champion South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina between Aug. 16 and Oct. 4.

Joe Schmid t is contracted as Wallabies head coach through the series against the Lions but is yet to commit to an extension that will take in the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby