Rugby league State of Origin headed to New Zealand for first time
The Australian men's rugby league State of Origin series will host a match at Eden Park in Auckland in 2027. This marks the first time the event will be held in New Zealand, aiming to expand the sport's international footprint.
Why it matters
This represents a significant expansion for a major Australian sporting event, signaling efforts to grow the game's commercial and cultural reach across the Tasman.
The men's rugby league State of Origin will be played in New Zealand for the first time. ( Getty Images: Chris Hyde )
Link copied Share Share article Australian rugby league's showpiece event will head across the Tasman for the first time, with the men's State of Origin confirmed for Auckland next year.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced on Tuesday that Game II of the 2027 series will be played at Auckland's Eden Park.
It will be only the second time State of Origin has been played outside Australia, with California hosting a match in 1987 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, which was won by the Blues 30–18.
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said the Origin match, scheduled for June 16, 2027, will be part of a wider rugby league festival in New Zealand's largest city.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in