Wales to Face Fiji, Australia, and South Africa in Autumn International Series in Cardiff

Wales to Face Fiji, Australia, and South Africa in Autumn International Series

After a disappointing winless 2024 Six Nations campaign, Wales is gearing up to face Fiji, Australia, and world champions South Africa in the autumn international series in November. The matches will take place in Cardiff, with two Sunday games scheduled.

Warren Gatland’s team will kick off their campaign against Fiji on Sunday, 10 November, followed by a clash with Australia seven days later. The series will culminate with a highly anticipated match against South Africa on Saturday, 23 November.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has decided not to schedule a fourth match outside World Rugby’s international window, unlike England, Scotland, and Ireland who have all organized an additional fixture for 2024. This will be the first time since 2000 that Wales will only play three home matches in the autumn, excluding World Cup years.

“We look forward to welcoming Fiji, Australia, and South Africa to Principality Stadium this November as we celebrate the stadium’s 25th anniversary,” said WRU executive director of rugby Nigel Walker. “This is an exciting Autumn Nations Series schedule for Wales, with fixtures against three key southern hemisphere opposition in quick succession.”

Despite finishing at the bottom of the 2024 Six Nations, Wales remains a formidable force at home. South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged the challenge Wales poses, stating, “Wales may have had a disappointing Six Nations campaign but they are always a force to be reckoned with at home. So we know we have to be at the top of our game when we line up against them.”

Before the autumn series, Gatland’s side will face South Africa in Twickenham and Australia in Sydney and Melbourne. The season will conclude with a friendly against Queensland Reds in Brisbane, marking the end of a grueling 18-match schedule for Wales.