While the Australians might be more used to games like Rugby, Cricket, and Aussie Rules, the NFL is planning to bring the heat and something a little extra with an international game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. Let’s take a look at what the landmark news has in store for both teams, as well as the fans of the game and a few of the extra celebs that are getting involved with regards to the build-up to the game. It’s definitely shaping up to be an exciting one!
Historic News From The NFL
Aug 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams fans cheer during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In an historic first, the NFL announced that they would be hosting a solid international game in Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. “THE FIRST-EVER REGULAR SEASON GAME IN AUSTRALIA IS SET! [Australian flag emoji],” the NFL announced in a post on X on February 6. The news hit the crowds quickly and with tremendous force. Despite not being a football playing nation, Australia seems to be incredibly excited about the news and is certainly welcoming the NFL with open arms.
Reactions From The Rams
Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks on field before the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Rams seemed to be the first to respond with a positive reply, posting “NFC West battle down under. [triumphant emoji],” on X shortly after the announcement. They followed up with another response, stating that they’ll “See you at the @MCG!”. The game is to be hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, meaning the field will likely have to go through an impressive overhaul to make it ready for the NFL – something that the Australian’s seem wholly excited about.
Reactions For The 49ers
Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The 49ers also shared a great deal of excitement over the news. They responded with “It’s a g’day mate [Australian flag emoji],” with a subsequent post on X adding “From The Bay to Down Under [Australian flag emoji].” It seems like both teams are wholly up for and actually excited about the great away game and for setting an historic first by being two of the first teams to ever play NFL level football in the land down under.
Local Celebs Getting Involved
Australian conservationist Robert Irwin announces the Los Angeles Rams’ selection with the 242nd overall pick during the third and final day of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The news was widely met with great applause and celebration on both sides of the world. In the Land Down Under, even local celebs like the late Steve Irwin’s son Robert Irwin got involved and posted a very heartwarming message on X in response to the games announcement. “You’re gonna have to bring your A-game. I know you will, and I hope to see you at the Australia Zoo. Let’s go wrangle some crocodiles, hey? Get you warmed up for the big game.”
What This Game Means For The Rams
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) is injured after catching a twelve-yard pass thrown by quarterback Matthew Stafford (not pictured) against Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) during the fourth quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The news comes as somewhat of a relief for the Rams who had a pretty good season last year, winning a total of 7 out of 8 games played. One more away game not being counted on the home roster will help to bolster morale, get their blood pumping again for the next season and hopefully give them a little more gas in the tank for the year ahead. The team is currently at 3-2 in international games, meaning an additional win could really help to boost their overall international game.
How Does This Affect The 49ers
Feb 1, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFC coach Jerry Rice talks with Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Right now, the 49ers are up in terms of their overall international games with a solid 3-0 set of victories for roster so far. However, even though the two teams are technically tied in terms of victories, the ultimate issue comes down to the fact that right now the 49ers are ahead of the Rams 6-4 over the past 5 years, meaning this game could prove to be a lead-maker for the 49ers if it goes their way, so they’ll be sure to be bringing their A-game to the Land Down Under.
How Are The Locals Responding
Leading Senior Constable Alison Noonan (left) and Bec Noviello with the Victoria Police Department exchange friendship bracelets with Taylor Swift fans outside of the Melbourne Cricket Grounds on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia.
Right now, the locals seem to be the most happy about the game in Melbourne. Most talk is about the game bringing in a lot more revenue for local businesses and giving Australians the chance to witness something a little different – something that even the weird world of kangaroos, crocodiles, and wallabies isn’t used to, classic American football. Everything is set for the game to be an unprecedented and historic first – one that everyone seems excited about.
Potential Blockers
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford posts with the NFL Honors most valuable player trophy at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Right now, as both teams prepare for the Historic game, there are only a few notable blockers in the way. The main one is that the Rams were awaiting news regarding the announcement of the annual NFL Honors Awards show this Wednesday where two of their players have been lined up for potential awards, namely Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacau. Once that’s cleared though, everything in the roster seems to be perfectly lined up for the game to commence without a hitch.
Volunteers
Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Albert Breer on the Zolak & Bertrand show on the Boston 98.5 Sports Hub radio set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The game is even drawing the help of volunteers like legendary Sports Illustrated press man Albert Breer and ESPN’s Field Yates, who stated that he’s willing to travel to the Land Down Under to cover the game. “The NFL announced the Rams and 49ers will play the first ever regular season game in Australia next season,” ESPN’s Field Yates posted on X amid the news. “I am announcing that I am willing to travel to Melbourne to cover the game for ESPN.” “I too am willing to take the bullet and travel to Australia for the game,” Breer posted.
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Sources:
“Rams send fitting message after historic decision gets announced” – msn.com
