The very first rugby league match at the MCG was held on June 29, 1878 between Waratah - a leading Sydney rugby club, and Carlton - the famous Australian Football Club.
The MCG has hosted four Bledisloe Cup rugby union matches in its history, with all matches recording crowds of over 75,000.
In 1997, a total of 90,119 people saw New Zealand win 33-18. One year later, another 75,127 attended Australia’s 24-16 victory. On June 30, 2007 a crowd of 79,322 saw Australia win 20-15 after three years’ domination by the All Blacks, generally ranked as the best team in the world. On July 29, 2023 the Bledisloe Cup returned to the MCG, welcoming a crowd of 83,944 as New Zealand 38 defeated Australia 7.
In 2025, the MCG played host a historic match between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions. A crowd of 90,307 fans packed the stadium on July 26, the largest Rugby Union crowd ever at the 'G. The Lions won 29-26.
Notable Rugby Union Matches at the MCG
| Date | Event | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| July 26, 1997 | Bledisloe Cup: Australia v New Zealand | 90,119 |
| July 11, 1998 | Bledisloe Cup: Australia v New Zealand | 75,147 |
| June 30, 2007 | Bledisloe Cup: Australia v New Zealand | 78,959 |
| July 29, 2023 | Bledisloe Cup: Australia v New Zealand | 83,944 |
| July 26, 2025 | The Wallabies v The British & Irish Lions | 90,307 |
Rugby Union at the 'G Statistics
1878
first rugby union match
22
rugby union matches
90,307
largest rugby union crowd at the MCG
