WIN Stadium to host National Rugby Championships on Illawarra Rugby grand final day

The match will see NSW Country take on the Fijian Drua on what will be a busy day for rugby union in the region.

Kicking off at 4pm on September 14, the game will immediately precede the Illawarra Rugby grand final, which has been shifted back to a 6pm kickoff.

The match comes as numerous sporting organisations have taken big ticket matches to Wollongong in the past few years.

WIN Stadium will host the Kangaroos rugby league Test match in October, while North Dalton Park has also played host to NEAFL matches.

Sheffield Shield fixtures have also been played in Wollongong and it was announced on Tuesday the England Lions will play a tour match at North Dalton Park.

Additionally, the rugby union players will grace the same turf that will host A-League champions Sydney FC when they face runaway NSW National Premier League premiers Wollongong Wolves in a fortnight.

The Fijians will bring a high-quality team to Wollongong, with the Drua reigning NRC defending champions after triumphing over Queensland Country in last year's final.

The Wollongong NRC fixture is part of Rugby Australia's renewed push to grow the sport in the regions, with matches also to be played in Dubbo and Port Macquarie this season.

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Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said Wollongong fans will have the opportunity to watch the Drua's unique and exciting brand of football.

"The competition will once again be played at suburban and regional venues across the country, giving communities and fans access to more quality rugby at the conclusion of their club seasons.

"The Fijian Drua will again create massive fan interest for the way they play the game as they look to defend their crown, but every team has made moves to strengthen their programs ahead of the 2019 season and we are looking forward to the most competitive NRC season we've seen."

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