Rugby union Tests will return to the Sydney Football Stadium for  the first time since 1998 after a new deal was signed Tuesday.

The Australian Rugby Union penned a 10-year agreement to play Tests at the ground from 2012 onwards, with Australia against Wales  pencilled in as the first game.

   “There were some wonderful rugby moments at the SFS between 1989  and 1998 and we look forward to many more over the next decade,” ARU chief John O’Neill said.

   Since 1998, Tests have been played at the ANZ Stadium, which will continue to host games.

   The Wallabies made their international rugby debut at the Sydney  Cricket Ground against Great Britain in 1899 and played there almost exclusively until switching to the Sydney Football Stadium in 1989.