In what's being described as a major coup for Newcastle, the NSW Waratahs are heading to Broadmeadow for the first ever Super Rugby match next year.
The state team will clash with the Japan Sunwolves on March 29 at McDonald Jones Stadium, marking the first time a seasonal Waratah's game has been played outside of Sydney.
Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore says the venue was chosen on a number of criteria.
"Ultimately we looked at areas that had strong and vibrant rugby communities, which was really important to us, and fantastic facilities such as this," he said.
Mr Hore also believes it'll open up Newcastle to a broad tourist market.
"This will see McDonald Jones Stadium beamed around the world - our broadcast rights to the UK are massive, and every Saturday morning there are millions of people that turn on their television."
Novocastrian Waratahs star Harry Johnson-Holmes says it'll mean a lot to aspiring regional rugby players.
"Rugby is so alive and well in all age groups from Merewether to Medowie, it's very limiting I suppose for kids to turn on the TV and see your heroes in Sydney pulling on the blue jersey and that's all you get, but to see them in your hometown really encapsulates that ability to follow a country rugby pathway."
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it follows a host of other major events secured for the city, citing the Australian Netball test against England, November's Newcastle 500 Supercars race and the upcoming Matildas game versus Chile.
The City of Newcastle is also waiting to hear whether a tender to attract the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup has been successful.
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| Lord Mayor Nelmes with Harry Johnson-Holmes. |
