Return: The SCG has not hosted a rugby union Test match since 1986
(Picture: Getty Images)The venues for England’s three-Test tour of Australia in July have been confirmed, with Perth’s Optus Stadium hosting the opener.
This will be England’s first appearance at the new Perth Stadium, which is largely an AFL and cricket venue. That match is on July 2, before games at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (July 9), and the Sydney Cricket Ground (July 16). All three matches are 10:55am BST kick-offs.
It will mark the first time that the iconic SCG has hosted a rugby union Test match since 1986.
Under Eddie Jones, England have won all eight of their Tests against Australia. That includes a clean sweep down under in 2016 in his first summer in charge.
England are looking to bounce back from a poor Six Nations in which they won just two of five games for the second successive season.
“The Australia tour is a great opportunity for growth for this team and a good challenge at the end of the season,” said Jones.
“It will be the first time many of the younger players have toured abroad with England and it will be vital practice and experience ahead of the World Cup, along with the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
“We last went there in 2016 and had a very successful tour. Australia will be a good challenge for this team. They have rebuilt strongly and they are well-coached by Dave Rennie.”
