US actors and Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds celebrate after their team won through to the English Football League after beating Boreham Wood, on 22 April, 2023. Photo: AFP
Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney say they are excited to be bringing their Welsh football club Wrexham AFC down under.
The full schedule for their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand has been released.
As RNZ previously reported, the match against the Wellington Phoenix will be played in the capital on 19 July.
The touring side will also play Melbourne Victory on 11 July and Sydney FC on 15 July.
In 2021 American actor McElhenney and Canadian-American actor Reynolds bought the club.
Since then it has been promoted three times and will play in the English Championship (second tier) in the 2024-25 season.
The club has been featured in the Emmy award-winning series, Welcome to Wrexham.
Founded in 1864, Wrexham is the oldest professional football club in Wales and the third oldest in the world.
"From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand," McElhenney and Reynolds said in a statement.
"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."
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome they were delighted to welcome 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.
Match information:
Melbourne Victory v Wrexham AFC, Friday 11 July, Marvel Stadium 7.30pm AEST kick off
Sydney FC v Wrexham AFC, Tuesday 15 July, Allianz Stadium 7.30pm AEST kick off
Wellington Phoenix v Wrexham AFC, Saturday 19 July, Sky Stadium 5.00pm NZST kick off
