Waratahs CEO with players Shambeckler Vui and Curtis Rona –  Photo: Julius Dimitaga

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The NSW Waratahs have today announced that they will be taking three of their regular home games to Western Sydney for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

With Allianz Stadium soon to be demolished, the Waratahs will be going on the road around Sydney and New South Wales for the next three seasons while a state-of-the-art replacement is constructed, scheduled to open in 2022.

The SCG, Brookvale Oval, North Sydney Oval and Leichhardt Oval have all been mentioned as possible future venues, as well as potential visits to some of the state’s regional centres. But the three games to take place at the newly-built Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta – on the site of the old Parramatta Stadium – are the first to be locked down on the calendar.

Western Sydney Stadium is due to open in 2019

The Waratahs will host the Sharks (Saturday, April 27th) and the Jaguares (Saturday, May 25th), as well as the local derby against the Brumbies (Saturday, June 8th), and supporters can get a special three-match membership deal from $55 to cover all three fixtures.

“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW with a diverse population that has a strong passion for rugby,” explained NSW Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore. “We want to capitalise on this, and by taking the NSW Waratahs to that region it will hopefully further encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.

“This also aligns with our broader Western Sydney strategy that has looked specifically at the needs of the area to grow the game and encourage participation and fan engagement. The fact that we will be one of the first sports to play at the newly developed, state-of-the-art Western Sydney Stadium is a real opportunity for our fans and rugby participants in Western Sydney.

“We want to continue to grow and develop the sport in that area and the fact that the NSW Waratahs will play three matches there next year will certainly help us towards that goal.”

For the third season in succession, there will be no increase on ticket prices for all home games. Also, all junior players registered with their club for 2019 are once again eligible for a NSW Waratahs season membership with free access to all home games for the year.

Full details of membership packages will be announced soon.