Wrexham AFC tour Australia and New Zealand for pre-season
Phil Parkinson's men finished runners-up in League One to secure an historic third successive promotion and place in the second tier next term.
The club has announced that this year's pre-season tour will take the Reds to Australia and New Zealand in July, with matches confirmed in Australia versus Melbourne Victory on July 11 (Marvel Stadium), Sydney FC on July 15 (Allianz Stadium), and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on July 19 (Sky Stadium).
Promoted by TEG Sport, the Wrexham Down Under Tour follows on from two highly successful pre-season tours to the USA, the first in 2023 which included a clash against Manchester United followed by the Wrex Coast Tour in 2024 with the headline fixture against another Premier League side in Chelsea.
Wrexham's tour of Australia and New Zealand will see the club take on a high calibre of competition from the A-League, offering a true test against some of the region's most accomplished sides.
With the A-League continuing to grow in stature and talent, these matches promise to deliver a compelling showcase of football, blending Wrexham's global story with the skill and intensity of the elite clubs.
Wrexham AFC co-chairmen, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, commented: 'From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand.
"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.'
Rachael Carroll, Managing Director of TEG Sport, said: "Bringing Wrexham AFC to Australia and New Zealand for three exciting matches against top A-League sides is truly a one-of-a-kind event.
"This tour is more than just football — it's a celebration of global sporting culture, entertainment, and fan connection. Whether you're a die-hard football supporter or just love a great story, these matches promise unforgettable moments and fun for everyone."
Caroline Carnegie, Managing Director of Melbourne Victory, said: 'We're excited to test our squad against Wrexham, a club that has risen to global prominence in recent years. To play a team with such a rich history, in front of our passionate and loyal fans at Marvel Stadium, will be a fantastic experience for all football supporters.
'What makes this even more special is the alignment between our two clubs, which both Wrexham and Melbourne Victory both deeply connected to their communities and committed to growing the game.'
Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said: '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.
'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.'
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said: 'We're delighted to be welcoming Wrexham to Wellington. The capital has a proud history of hosting New Zealand's biggest football events, and this promises to be another unmissable match at Sky Stadium.
"Wrexham have had an incredible rise to the Championship and I know our players can't wait to test themselves against the Red Dragons.
'I also look forward to catching up with Rob and Ryan over a pint of Wrexham lager at The Welsh Dragon, the only Welsh bar in the southern hemisphere!'
SW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 'Wrexham AFC's decision to bring their pre-season tour to Sydney is a massive win for NSW. The global phenomenon that is Wrexham, driven by the passion of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, will draw huge crowds to Allianz Stadium.
"This tour showcases Sydney as a worldclass sporting destination and will deliver a significant boost to our visitor economy. We're ready to welcome the Red Dragons and their fans with open arms.'
Heidi Morton, General Manager Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ, said: 'Wellington is proud to be the exclusive New Zealand host city for what is sure to be a true highlight on this year's national sports calendar.
"We're excited for Wellington and our very own Wellington Phoenix FC to be part of the Wrexham AFC story – and we encourage football fans from across the country to the capital to be part of it too.'
Scott Fitzgerald, General Manager at Marvel Stadium said: 'Marvel Stadium is thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Melbourne to kick off the pre-season tour in July. Wrexham AFC are a global phenomenon, and we can't wait to host the team and their global partners and put on a show at the stadium for all the local and visiting fans of the club.
'Marvel Stadium is the busiest multi-purpose stadium in the world and events like this really allow us to showcase the epic entertainment that is the English Football League.'
Tickets go on general sale via Ticketek in Australia and New Zealand on Friday May 16 at 9:00AM AEST and 11AM NZST. Tickets start at $39 for children and $59 for adults.
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