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New Zealand will host a State of Origin match for the first time in 2027, with one fixture of the rugby league series to be staged at Eden Park in Auckland.
The New Zealand Government and Auckland Council worked alongside the Australian Rugby League Commission to secure the event, which is expected to attract more than 10,000 Australian visitors.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the match represents a major addition to New Zealand’s international sporting calendar.
The event is forecast to generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights and contribute an estimated $17.4 million to the economy.
State of Origin is an annual three-match series between Queensland and New South Wales and is regarded as one of Australasia’s highest-profile sporting rivalries.
The 2027 fixture will be supported through the Government’s Major Events Fund and Auckland Council Events.
The announcement coincides with changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park, aimed at enabling the stadium to host a greater number of major events.
Match dates and ticketing details are expected to be confirmed by the NRL later this year.
