Warriors to return to Eden Park for first NRL match there in 13 years

The One New Zealand Warriors will return to Eden Park for the first time in 13 years when they host a major ANZAC Round NRL clash at New Zealand’s biggest stadium in 2027.

The club confirmed on Monday that the match will be played on Sunday, 25 April 2027, marking the Warriors’ first NRL appearance at Eden Park since 2014.

With Eden Park able to hold up to 50,000 fans, the game is expected to become one of the biggest rugby league events held in Aotearoa in recent years.

Cameron George, the Warriors chief executive, said playing at the country’s national stadium on ANZAC Day would make the occasion even more special.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to confirm we’ll be playing at Eden Park on Anzac Day next year,” George said in a statement.

“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.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George says playing at Eden Park on ANZAC Day will make the occasion “even more special” for players and fans. Photo/Warriors

“To do so at the country’s national stadium and the biggest sporting venue will make it even more special.”

The match will continue the Warriors’ recent tradition of taking ANZAC Round games to different venues around the country. It will also be the fifth ANZAC Round NRL match played in New Zealand.

George said the long weekend created a chance for fans from around Aotearoa and Australia to travel to Auckland for the occasion.

Eden Park is expected to host one of New Zealand’s biggest rugby league crowds in recent years when the Warriors return to the national stadium in Auckland in 2027. Photo/Wikipedia/Wendy Harman

“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.”

Nick Sautner, Eden Park chief executive, said 2027 was shaping up to be a major year for rugby league at the venue, with State of Origin also scheduled to be played there.

“Eden Park has hosted many of New Zealand’s greatest sporting moments, and we are delighted the One New Zealand Warriors’ ANZAC Day fixture in 2027 will now be part of that history,” Sautner said.

“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.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said the match would also deliver a boost for the city.

“Aucklanders love sport and they love league, so this is going to be a fantastic event for our city,” Brown said.

“Events like this add to the energy of our city while also attracting visitors and supporting businesses across the region.”

Monday's announcement follows Super Rugby Pacific’s recent Super Round in Christchurch over the ANZAC weekend, which added to what has already been a strong period for major rugby events in New Zealand.

Major sporting weekends like these are expected to boost tourism, fill hotels and restaurants, and bring more visitors and spending into local economies.

The Warriors last played at Eden Park in 2014 when they defeated the Canberra Raiders 54-12.

The club’s opponent for the 2027 ANZAC Round clash and ticketing details will be confirmed once the full NRL draw is released.