Wrexham AFC will visit Australia and New Zealand this July for a three-match pre-season tour — the club’s first trip outside of North America.
The Welsh side, co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, will face Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on July 11th, Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on July 15th, and Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium on July 19th.
Wrexham recently secured a third consecutive promotion, moving up to the English Championship for the first time since 1979. Their rise has been widely followed through the Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham, which has built a strong international fanbase — including in Australia, now the show’s third-biggest market after the US and UK.
“From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand,” co-chairmen McElhenney and Reynolds said in a media release.
“We could not be more excited to bring the Red Dragons to Australia and New Zealand, and we are particularly proud that this announcement features neither a Men at Work or Hugh Jackman joke. The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We’re proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward.”
Sydney FC chief executive Mark Aubrey said the match is a great opportunity for local fans.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Sydney. Their incredible story and continued rise has captured the imagination of fans in Australia and around the world, and we are proud to be hosting this global sensation.
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“Facing a team with such momentum, driven by the passion of Rob and Ryan, is a fantastic opportunity for our club and an amazing chance for our members, and the wider football community, to witness Wrexham and their award-winning docu series first hand.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Sydney FC and Hollywood glamour mixing in our iconic city at the magnificent Allianz Stadium.”
Back in January, McElhenney hinted at the tour in an exclusive chat with Rolling Stone AU/NZ. “Maybe we go on an international tour with a certain club to a certain continent?” he teased.
“Our third biggest… audience for ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is Australia. No. 1 US, No. 2 UK, No 3. is Australia, which I find fascinating.”
“There is a lot of love for Wrexham [in Australia],” McElhenney continued. “Who knows? Maybe we might bring the club to you instead of the other way around.”
Wrexham AFC Australia and New Zealand Tour
Friday, July 11th
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Tuesday, July 15th
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Saturday, July 19th
SKY Stadium, Wellington, NZ
