Dunedin Set to Host All Blacks vs Scotland Test in 2027

Dunedin will not host an All Blacks test in 2026, but the city may welcome a match against Scotland in September 2027, serving as a warm-up for the Rugby World Cup in Australia. The announcement regarding the test schedule by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is anticipated this week, following the confirmation of only four tests on New Zealand soil next year.

The All Blacks will embark on a significant tour, spending a portion of the winter in South Africa as part of the “Greatest Rivalry” tour. Christchurch’s newly constructed stadium is set to host one of the home tests, making the chances of Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium securing a match slim. According to the Otago Daily Times, the All Blacks’ first test in 2026 will occur in July against France, held at the Christchurch stadium. Following that, the team will also face Italy in Wellington and Ireland at Eden Park, completing the initial phase of the Nations Championship.

This marks a notable shift for Dunedin, which missed hosting tests in 2019 due to the World Cup and in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the absence of matches in the past two years, the All Blacks have played in Dunedin annually since then. The 2024 test against England is estimated to generate nearly $14 million in economic impact for the city.

Although 2026 is currently off the table for Dunedin, there is increasing speculation regarding the potential for a test in 2027. Reports suggest that discussions between NZR and Scotland Rugby are ongoing, with a match likely aligned with the teams’ preparations for the Rugby World Cup. This would be particularly significant as Scotland has not played in New Zealand since the year 2000, creating a strong historical link to Dunedin, which boasts a rich Scottish heritage.

As preparations for the Rugby World Cup continue, the prospect of Dunedin hosting a test against Scotland offers a promising opportunity for both the city and rugby fans. With the growing anticipation surrounding the event, the region’s economic and cultural connection to rugby is set to thrive in the coming years.