Wests Tigers to Explore Dunedin Home Game in 2027
The club is in discussions to host a 2027 match at Forsyth Barr Stadium while Leichhardt Oval undergoes renovations.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
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The Wests Tigers are currently in negotiations to bring a home game to Dunedin, New Zealand, during the 2027 season. This move comes as the team seeks alternative venues while Leichhardt Oval undergoes a $40 million renovation.
Why it matters
The scheduling shift is necessary because Leichhardt Oval will be unavailable for hosting duties until the 2028 season. The club is evaluating multiple locations to manage its home game commitments during this transition period.
The proposed Dunedin venue, Forsyth Barr Stadium, previously hosted an NRL match between Canterbury and the New Zealand Warriors in 2017. The Tigers are also planning to utilize Campbelltown for up to six matches and CommBank Stadium for four games in 2027.
The players
Wests Tigers
The Wests Tigers are a professional rugby league football club based in Sydney that competes in the National Rugby League.
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are the only professional rugby league team based in New Zealand that competes in the National Rugby League.
Samuela Fainu
Samuela Fainu is a professional rugby league player who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Wests Tigers.
The details
Dunedin officials submitted a formal proposal to the club within the last two weeks to facilitate the fixture. The Tigers are balancing these international discussions alongside their existing commitments, which include a match at Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round and an away game in Las Vegas.
Timeline
2017: Canterbury and the New Zealand Warriors played at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Late February 2027: Potential date for a pre-season trial at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
June 2027: Potential timeframe for the Tigers home game in Dunedin.
2027: The season for which the home game venue is currently being scheduled.
2028: The year Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown renovations are slated for completion.
Travel Outlook
The Wests Tigers' search for an international venue follows the National Rugby League's stadium infrastructure requirements to ensure proper facility standards during renovation projects. This strategy reflects a broader trend of NRL clubs expanding their footprint into new markets while managing the logistics of major ground upgrades.
Fans hoping to attend a potential Dunedin match should monitor official club announcements for confirmation of the match date and ticketing information. Those planning travel to the region should note that specific logistics for the game remain subject to ongoing negotiations between the club and stadium officials.
The takeaway
The Wests Tigers are effectively managing their 2027 schedule by considering international venues while their primary home grounds undergo significant structural improvements. Supporters should prepare for a season defined by temporary venue shifts as the club balances these developments with its long-term infrastructure goals.
Further reading
Learn more about the region in our Australia and New Zealand section.
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