Auckland, New Zealand, is set to host a State of Origin rugby league match in 2027, marking the first time the iconic Australasian competition will be played on New Zealand soil. The announcement, confirmed this morning by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, signals a significant win for both tourism and the sport’s growing presence in New Zealand.
The match, to be held at Eden Park, a 50,000-seat stadium, is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors from Australia and generate an estimated $17.4 million boost to the New Zealand economy. More than 50,000 international visitor nights are anticipated as a result of the event.
“This is a milestone moment for rugby league in New Zealand, but it is so much more than a game,” said Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Blues and Maroons across the ditch for the very first time.”
The decision to bring State of Origin to Auckland comes after a collaborative effort between the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, and the Australian Rugby League Commission. The partnership was formalized through the Major Events Fund, highlighting the strategic importance placed on securing international sporting spectacles.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown emphasized the city’s suitability as a host, stating, “Auckland is a great sporting city, so it’s fantastic that an iconic event like State of Origin will be coming here next year. This city is the home of rugby league in New Zealand and thanks to the recent success of the Warriors, the sport here has never been bigger.”
The 2027 match will be the first Origin game played in New Zealand, though the rivalry has ventured overseas once before, with an exhibition match held in Long Beach, California, in 1987. This upcoming fixture represents a far more significant step, placing a regular season contest in a new international market.
The announcement coincides with changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park, designed to facilitate more major events. The stadium will now be permitted to host up to 12 large concerts and 20 medium-sized concerts annually without requiring resource consent – an increase from the previous limit of 12 concerts, with restrictions on artist diversity. These changes also broaden the scope of events the venue can accommodate, including exhibitions, fairs, and cultural gatherings.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop explained the rationale behind the changes, stating the goal is to unlock the stadium’s potential as a major event destination. “Under the new settings, Eden Park will be able to host up to 12 large concerts and 20 medium-sized concerts per year as permitted activities, without needing resource consent,” he said.
The move to stage State of Origin in New Zealand is part of a broader strategy by the NRL to expand its reach and tap into new markets. Discussions are also underway regarding the possibility of hosting the first-ever women’s State of Origin match outside of Australia, potentially in Christchurch as early as 2026. This initiative, dubbed “Anzac Origin,” would see both the men’s and women’s series contested across the Tasman in consecutive years.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo has confirmed that talks with New Zealand authorities are progressing well, though contractual details are still being finalized. “New Zealand is such an important market for us,” Abdo stated. “We have some things that we need to work through contractually.”
While Eden Park is the frontrunner to host the men’s game, its 50,000 capacity may prove a limiting factor, as New Zealand rugby league great Gary Freeman suggested, stating he believed a 70,000-seat stadium would be necessary to meet potential demand. Nevertheless, the confirmation of the 2027 match represents a landmark achievement for the sport in New Zealand and a significant opportunity to showcase Auckland on the international stage.
Dates and ticketing information for the 2027 State of Origin fixture will be released by the NRL later this year.
