Wellington’s Sky Stadium has today been confirmed to host the One New Zealand Warriors’ annual NRL Anzac Round match for the first time next year.
It will be the third year in a row and the fourth in all that the traditional fixture has been played in New Zealand.
The Warriors hosted the Gold Coast Titans at Go Media Stadium in 2015 and again in 2024 before the occasion was taken to Christchurch for the clash against the Newcastle Knights this year.
“We’re eager to head back to Wellington next year for our Anzac Round match,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“Anzac Day is such a special and significant day for all New Zealanders and Australians. To be able to mark it in the Capital will add another dimension to the occasion.
“With it being a long weekend, it’s a great opportunity for the people of Wellington and surrounding areas as well as those from throughout the country and Australia to make the most it.
“We’ve had a great run in the city with back-to-back wins in our last three games there since 2016 and we’re keen to put on another great performance.”
While the Warriors’ opponent for the match is yet to be announced, the 34,000 capacity Sky Stadium is set to be jam-packed following the extraordinary support for the club which has seen it sell out 26 of its last 29 NRL games played in New Zealand; and this Friday night’s home match against the Dolphins is also on track to sell out.
“The Warriors are one of the country’s most popular sports teams and we are thrilled be bringing them, and the NRL, back to Sky Stadium in 2026,” said Warrick Dent, chief executive at Sky Stadium.
“The Anzac Day fixture promises to be a special occasion, a great addition to our event schedule, and one that we know fans from Wellington and across the country will be excited by.”
The match will be the sixth home fixture the One New Zealand Warriors have taken to Wellington while they’ve also played six away games there since the first in 2001.
“Wellington continues to prove itself as a world-class host city for major sporting events,” said Mark Oldershaw, chief executive at WellingtonNZ.
“From the energy of the crowds to the seamless coordination across venues and local businesses, the capital delivers an unmatched experience for athletes, fans and the community.
“Whether you're a local or flying in, mark your calendar – this will be a great match-up to honour the Anzac spirit – fierce on the field, but united off it.”
The Warriors’ last match in Wellington was head coach Andrew Webster’s first as an NRL coach in round one in 2023 with the Warriors beating Newcastle 20-12.
