New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin rugby league match in 2027 at Eden Park in Auckland.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the plan alongside Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, saying the match should bring thousands of visitors to the city.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the Government, Auckland Council and the Australian Rugby League Commission worked together to secure the event. She called it a “major win” for fans, tourism and New Zealand sport, and said she was excited to welcome the Blues and Maroons from Australia.
Mayor Brown said the deal shows Auckland’s strength as a major sporting centre, and described the city as the home of rugby league in New Zealand. He also pointed to the recent success of the Warriors, saying it has helped the sport grow even bigger here.
Officials expect the match to attract more than 10,000 people from Australia, create over 50,000 international visitor nights, and add an estimated $17.4 million to the economy. With a large Australian TV audience, the Government says the game will put Auckland on an international stage.
State of Origin is a three-match series where Queensland and New South Wales face each other each year. The Government also announced new planning rules for Eden Park that could make it easier to host more major events. Under the new settings, Eden Park could hold up to 12 large concerts and 20 medium-sized concerts a year without needing resource consent, and it may also host markets, fairs and community events.
