Argentina host Australia in first 2026 Rugby Tour Test in Jujuy

Argentina will host Australia on Saturday, August 27, in the first of two home Tests between the sides. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm in Buenos Aires, with the match taking place at Estadio 23 de Agosto in San Salvador de Jujuy.

The series has been arranged after the 2026 Rugby Championship was cancelled. The teams will meet for the fifth time during the 2023-2027 Rugby World Cup cycle, with the second Test set for Mendoza. The next standard Rugby Championship is due to return in 2029 after New Zealand and South Africa chose to pursue a separate 2026 competition.

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has selected Pablo Matera as captain, with Guido Petti serving as vice-captain. Santiago Carreras is the other vice-captain in a starting XV that includes Tomás Lavanini, Benjamín Grondona and Joaquín Moro in the pack, while Lucio Cinti, Mateo Carreras and Gerónimo Prisciantelli form part of the backline.

The Wallabies will be led by Allan Alaalatoa, who starts at tighthead prop. Australia’s side also features Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Ryan Lonergan and Carter Gordon, while Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen are named on the wings. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is included among the replacements.

Both teams are in a rebuilding phase following the 2023 World Cup. Argentina’s recent development has included victories over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the same calendar year during the 2024 Rugby Championship, while Australia enter the series after two wins against Japan earlier in August.

The match is the opening fixture of a new phase for both coaches. Contepomi has been in charge of Argentina since 2024, while Les Kiss has taken over Australia after Joe Schmidt’s period leading the Wallabies. Ben O’Keeffe of New Zealand will referee, assisted by James Doleman. The match will be shown on ESPN and Disney+ in Argentina, and on Nine Network and Stan Sport in Australia.