The Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) will continue to call Allianz Stadium its preferred venue for player and partner events after announcing an extension of its partnership for a further three years.
Allianz Stadium, part of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust, provides ideal venues for RUPA to host and accommodate key events with its partners for the benefit of player development and support, including the Agent Accreditation Conference held annually at the SCG. It is also one of the favourite grounds amongst Australia’s professional rugby players.
The renewed partnership comes after significant announcements were made this year that will see increased rugby at Allianz Stadium, including the NSW Waratahs’ agreement to play all their regular season, quarter-final and semi-final matches there from 2016.
The Wallabies will also return to Allianz Stadium next year for their final match in the three-Test June international series against England on Saturday 25 June.
The Australian Sevens too will call the ground home with the inaugural Sydney Sevens set to take place on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of February in 2016 as part of the 2015/16 Sevens World Series.
RUPA CEO, Ross Xenos said Allianz Stadium is a special venue for some of Australia’s top rugby players and the precinct is a key location for RUPA in carrying out some of its core operations.
“Speaking to players, I know that many of them consider Allianz Stadium one of their favourite places to play in the world.
“It’s a really exciting time for rugby with so many blockbuster games and tournaments set to be held at Allianz Stadium, and we’re pleased to remain a part of that experience.
“The team at the Trust continue to be extremely hospitable in hosting RUPA’s events, players and partners.
“As with all other organisations within RUPA’s portfolio of partners, the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust have a genuine interest in supporting and developing players on and off the field.
“Allianz Stadium has witnessed many historical rugby milestones for players and I look forward to seeing many more from 2016 and beyond”, Xenos said.
Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust General Manager of Commercial, Jason Hill, is looking forward to continuing to link with RUPA, who have been a key partner since 2012.
"The Moore Park precinct is home to a host of talented Waratahs players and the Trust is delighted that Allianz Stadium and the SCG will continue to support RUPA events, athletes and their partners moving forward," Hill said.
"Rugby is an integral part of our vision here at Moore Park and to play host to all Waratahs fixtures, a Wallabies Test and the Sydney Sevens in the coming years is an exciting prospect for RUPA and the Trust.
"It is clear the fans and players love Rugby at Allianz Stadium, which was demonstrated by a record Wallaby Test crowd and an undefeated Waratahs’ season at the venue in 2014.
"As home to two of Sydney's premier sporting venues, the Trust is committed to supporting the welfare of rugby players and their development in a world class sports and entertainment precinct."
Allianz Stadium is home to some of Australian rugby’s greatest moments, including “that tackle” by George Gregan during Australia’s victorious 1994 Bledisloe Cup win and, more recently, last year’s final game that sealed the Wallabies’ whitewash over the French in front of a record crowd of 43,188.
The grounds are part of Australian rugby heartland, with a historic sporting timeline that dates back to some of the oldest British Lions tours to Australia and the very first Bledisloe Cup matches.
Recent redevelopments to the stadium’s technology, including the installation of Australia’s largest video screens in a rectangular stadium ahead of the Super Rugby season this year have continued to add to the events and sporting experience, which RUPA is proud to remain a part of for the next three years.
