The Wallabies are set to face Eddie Jones for the first time since their former coach's tumultuous departure in late-2023 after Rugby Australia lined up a test against Japan in Tokyo as part to its season-ending Northern Hemisphere tour.
Japan coach Jones quit the Wallabies 10 months into a five-year deal after overseeing their first group-stage exit from a World Cup at the 2023 tournament in France.
Australia's World Cup campaign was overshadowed by media reports that Jones had interviewed for the role of Japan head coach ahead of the tournament.
Jones denied the reports, but six weeks after quitting the Wallabies he was confirmed in the role, his second stint as head coach of Japan.
The test, scheduled for Oct. 25 at National Stadium, will open the Wallabies' season-ending tour and also be the first game between the teams in four years.
Australia, now coached by Joe Schmidt, holds a perfect 6-0 record over the Brave Blossoms.
Under Jones, Japan had four wins and seven losses in 2024, including losing blowouts by over 40 points against England, New Zealand and France.
Australia also had a mixed year under Schmidt, winning six of 13 tests but showed improvement during its season-ending tour of Europe.
The scheduling of the Tokyo test puts to bed concerns that relations between Rugby Australia and their Japanese counterparts were strained by Jones's recruitment.
"Rugby Australia and Japan Rugby Football Union enjoy a strong, productive relationship and share a rich rugby tradition," RA CEO Phil Waugh said in a statement.
"The test match will also serve as excellent preparation for the Wallabies ahead of the Autumn internationals in the Northern Hemisphere."
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