Wallabies to face Fiji in Newcastle ahead of British and Irish Lions series

The Wallabies will sharpen up for this year's Test series against the British and Irish Lions with a match against Fiji in Newcastle.

Rugby Australia revealed on Tuesday that the "Flying Fijians" were locked in to face the Wallabies at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, July 6.

It will be Australia's only hit-out in preparation for the three-Test series against the Lions, which will take place across July and August.

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The Newcastle match will mark Fiji's first visit to Australia since 2017 and the Wallabies' first clash with the South Pacific nation since the 2023 World Cup in France.

"It will be great to get the squad together and to have a genuine Test match prior to the British and Irish Lions series," said Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

"In their bid to make the semi-finals, Fiji were just six points shy of beating England at the last World Cup in 2023.

"They beat Wales in Cardiff last November, and bring a physicality and flair that makes them entertaining to watch and tough to beat."

Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, the MCG and Sydney's Accor Stadium will host the three Tests between the Wallabies and Lions.

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Fiji Test

Wallabies v Fiji, Sunday, July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

British and Irish Lions series

Wallabies v British and Irish Lions, Saturday, July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies v British and Irish Lions, Saturday, July 26 at MCG

Wallabies v British and Irish Lions, Saturday, August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney