Australian Rugby
ARU announces deal with WA Government
ESPNscrum Staff
September 15, 2011
Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe, Rugby WA Headquarters, Perth, Australia, June 20, 2011
Nathan Sharpe of Australia and Western Force will be looking foward to the Wallabies' return to Perth © Getty Images
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The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has revealed that the Wallabies will return to Perth next year as part of a new agreement with the Western Australian Government.

The Aussies have not played in the coastal city since 2008 but they will host the Springboks at Patersons Stadium in Subiaco during the expanded Tri-Nations series, which next year welcomes Argentina into the fold.

As part of the new three-year agreement with the WA Government, the Pumas will play in Perth in 2013, with the Springboks set to return the following term.

In addition, it has also been confirmed that Western Province will be one of the British & Irish Lions' opponents during their 2013 Tour of Australia.

"Western Australia is an established but also a growth market for Rugby," said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill. "Setting in stone an array of top-class international matches for Perth across the next three years puts us in a position to reach out even further to fans in the west.

"The following the Western Force has attracted and maintained since joining Super Rugby in 2006 has enabled us to make a statement that Perth holds a real place of importance in Australian Rugby.

"With the Springboks playing there twice, and only in the west, over the next three years, and with Argentina and the British and Irish Lions also heading to Perth, there will be a wonderful chance to create some further momentum for the game.

"ARU is also delighted the WA Government is moving into the development stages for a new multi-purpose stadium in Perth.

"In terms of where to stage major international matches well into the future, there is no doubt the quality of infrastructure and facilities, and the Rugby-friendly nature of stadia will play an important role in our decisions."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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