 Australia coach John Connolly coached Swansea in 2002-03 |
The Ospreys have announced they will play Australia in Swansea when the Wallabies tour Europe in November. The Welsh region will face John Connolly's side at the Liberty Stadium on 1 November - three days before the tourists play Wales in Cardiff.
Ospreys managing director Roger Blythe said: "It was impractical for Wales A to play this touring side.
"When we were contacted by Australia, with the sanction of the WRU, we jumped at the opportunity to face them."
This will be the first time a Welsh region has played a major international touring side.
After facing Wales, Australia have dates against Italy at Stadio Flaminio, Ireland at Lansdowne Road and Scotland at Murrayfield on consecutive weekends.
The Wallabies will also play three other midweek matches.
Australia coach Connolly has strong links with Swansea, having coached the All Whites in their final season before they joined with Neath under the new regional set-up in Wales.
Swansea famously beat Australia 21-6 at St Helens when the then world champions toured Wales in 1992.
Blythe added: "We expect to face a strong Australian side and initial discussions suggest that the WRU will release back to us Wales team players not directly involved in the Test match on Saturday 4 November."
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