Tests to continue in Perth

Rugby fans in Perth have been guaranteed Test rugby until 2010, with the Wallabies to take on South Africa twice and old enemy England once over the next four years.

The West Australian State Government today announced the new four-year agreement with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to continue the current one Test a year schedule in Western Australia.

And with the upcoming international at Subiaco Oval on June 9 scheduled against Fiji, Western Australia will welcome higher profile opposition for the Wallabies in the next four years.

ARU managing director and CEO Gary Flowers said West Australian rugby fans had proven their devotion to the game.

“We have played Tests in Perth annually for almost a decade in front of great crowds and, at a Super 14 level, the supporters of the Western Force have been turning out in huge numbers,” Flowers said.

And tourism minister Sheila McHale said the games would generate approximately $10 million over the four years, after a state outlay of $1.7 million to secure the four-year agreement.

Both England and South Africa will be familiar with Perth, having been based there for the group stages of the World Cup four years ago.

Both countries have large numbers of expat fans living in the city.

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