The match is part of a three-Test series between the two national teams, which is set to delight local rugby fans and Melburnians eager to enjoy the thrill of a live international sporting contest.

“Les Bleus” last toured Australia in 2014, when the Wallabies were victorious in Melbourne and went on to claim the Test series 3-0.

The match marks the first game in a package secured by the Victorian Government for Melbourne to host five major Wallabies Test matches over five years, including the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour. The package will deliver the best action for fans, boosts jobs in the visitor economy and reaffirm Melbourne’s status as the sporting and events capital of Australia.

Rugby Australia will work with the Government on its COVIDSafe event plan in accordance with the Public Events Framework – to ensure the event can be enjoyed by as many people as possible in a safe way.

Sparked by the Australian Open in February and continuing with the resumption of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre, the successful running of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and AFL, NRL, Super League, A-League and NBL matches drawing growing crowds, the efforts of Victorians to combat coronavirus has meant that people are getting to enjoy big-ticket events more like they used to.

Rugby league’s blockbuster State of Origin returns to the MCG on Wednesday, 9 June when Queensland takes on New South Wales in the first match of the 2021 series, in a further boost to the state’s major events momentum.