Wrexham co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have claimed the club’s pre-season tour across Australia and New Zealand in July is part of their global strategy.
The tour, promoted by TEG Sport, will see Phil Parkinson’s men square off against three top A-League sides: Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium on July 11, Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on July 15, and Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium on July 19.
It comes just weeks before Wrexham begin their first season in the Championship in 43 years, after a record third consecutive promotion.
“From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand,” said McElhenney and Reynolds.
“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.
“The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We’re proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward.”
The matches in the southern hemisphere come after the club twice toured the USA in recent summer, trips that included friendlies against Manchester United and Chelsea.
The owners’ tongue-in-cheek excitement sets the tone for how both owners like to position Wrexham – a fun-loving, free-wheeling underdog story, rather than a shrewdly marketed investment plan tied to la ucrative documentary series.
READ MORE: Love, Envy And Loathing . . . The Story Of Wrexham's Triple Promotion Triumph
The Australian A-League clubs themselves have embraced the occasion as well as the hype around Wrexham.
Caroline Carnegie, managing director of Melbourne Victory, called the match a chance to host “a club that has risen to global prominence,” while noting the shared values between the two teams:
“Both Wrexham and Melbourne Victory are deeply connected to their communities and committed to growing the game,” she said.
READ MORE: The Phil Parkinson Wrexham Mantra Will Continue: "No Superstars, No Egos"
Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey echoed the sentiment.
He said: “Their incredible story and continued rise has captured the imagination of fans in Australia and around the world. Facing a team with such momentum, driven by the passion of Rob and Ryan, is a fantastic opportunity.”
And in New Zealand, anticipation is no less enthusiastic.
David Dome, Wellington Phoenix general manager welcomed the Red Dragons with a touch of local flavour.
“Wrexham have had an incredible rise to the Championship,” he said.
“I also look forward to catching up with Rob and Ryan over a pint of Wrexham lager at The Welsh Dragon, the only Welsh bar in the southern hemisphere!”
READ MORE: Let's Get This Wrexham Party Started
Wrexham's pre-season tour schedule
Friday, 11 July - Melbourne Victory vs Wrexham, Marvel Stadium (10:30 BST)
Tuesday, 15 July - Sydney FC vs Wrexham, Allianz Stadium (10:30 BST)
Saturday, 19 July - Wellington Phoenix vs Wrexham, Sky Stadium (06
