NRL: Warriors confirmed for 2027 Anzac Day clash at Eden Park
The Warriors will return to Eden Park in 2027, with confirmation of an Anzac Day clash in next season’s NRL.
For the first time in 12 years, the Warriors will take the field at the traditional home of the All Blacks, against as-yet unknown opponents.
Since 2011, the Warriors have played at Eden Park six times for a one-win, five-loss record.
That victory came on the club’s last visit to the national stadium, a 54-12 result against the Canberra Raiders in round nine of 2014.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to confirm we’ll be playing at Eden Park on Anzac Day next year,” Warriors chief executive Cameron George said.
“It will be the fourth different venue we’ve used for our Anzac Round match in four years.
“It has such deep meaning for us playing on the day New Zealanders and Australians come together to pay respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. To do so at the country’s national stadium and the biggest sporting venue will make it even more special.
“With it also being a long weekend, it will be a tremendous opportunity for the people of the wider Auckland region and those from further afield to make the most of it.”
Since 2009, the Warriors had traditionally played their Anzac Day fixture against the Melbourne Storm away from home, however the last three years have seen the club able to play on Kiwi soil.
In 2024, the Warriors were beaten by the Gold Coast Titans, but have secured victories over the Newcastle Knights in Christchurch and the Redcliffe Dolphins in Wellington over the past two seasons.
Playing at Eden Park on Anzac Day is also a huge boon for the Warriors in the code war against rugby union.
While discussions between New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia over an Anzac test between the All Blacks and the Wallabies are ongoing, talks have so far yielded no confirmed fixture.
What’s more, it is likely – if and when – that test is confirmed, it will be hosted in Australia, due to the costs involved for both sides.
The fixture is also another boost for rugby league at Eden Park, with the national stadium to host game two of next year’s State of Origin series as well.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Warriors, and the NRL, along with rugby league fans and visitors from across the country and Australia back to Eden Park for what promises to be a very memorable Anzac Day occasion,” Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said.
The Warriors’ Anzac Day opponents will likely be confirmed when the NRL’s 2027 fixtures are announced later this year.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.