Getty
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with head coach Sean McVay during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Los Angeles Rams will embark on a historic journey next season, and their NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, will join them.
Both teams offered messages in reaction to the landmark news. The official word came from the NFL, and it created a buzz around both franchises and within the individuals who cover them for a living.
All of that, and the 2026 NFL offseason has yet to officially begin.
Rams Get Historic News From NFL
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts on the sidelines during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
“THE FIRST-EVER REGULAR SEASON GAME IN AUSTRALIA IS SET! [Australian flag emoji],” the NFL announced in a post on X on February 6. “@49ers vs @RamsNFL at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.”
The Rams posted, “NFC West battle down under. [triumphant emoji],” on X on February 5 after getting the news that officially means one less home game, where they went 7-1 in 2025.
“See you at the @MCG!” the Rams said in another post.
Robert Irwin, renowned conservationist and son of the late “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin, also sent the Rams a message, saying, “I know you guys are coming down under to Australia. I am so excited.
“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.”
The 49ers did not share their message if they received one, but they did react to the news.
“It’s a g’day mate [Australian flag emoji],” the 49ers posted on their official X account in reaction to the news, adding another message that said “From The Bay to Down Under [Australian flag emoji].”
The Rams are 3-2 all-time in international games, most recently defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 7 of the 2025 season.
The 49ers are 3-0 all-time in international games.
LA and San Francisco split their two meetings this past season, and the 49ers gave the Rams a run for the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. However, the Rams are 4-2 against the 49ers over the past two seasons.
The 49ers had the edge in the series for much of head coach Sean McVay’s tenure, though, with the Rams going 4-10 in their first 14 meetings.
Their upcoming contest in the Land Down Under is sure to generate interest.
Rams’ International Game Gets Volunteers
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
Players often enjoy seeing sights when abroad, but the Rams’ and 49ers’ game drew volunteers from the media.
“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.”
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer responded.
“I too am willing to take the bullet and travel to Australia for the game,” Breer posted. “If need be, I can do a few weeks of advance work as well to enhance SI’s coverage.”
Rams Ready for NFL Honors
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to the sidelines during warm-ups before the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.
While the Rams can plan for their trip to face the 49ers, they are bracing for the NFL’s final decisions at the NFL Honors award show on Wednesday. The Rams are awaiting word on two players in particular: Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
Stafford is a finalist for the MVP.
“MVP-caliber season for [No. 9 emoji],” the Rams posted about their three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and the NFL’s regular-season leader in passing touchdowns and yards.
“You know who has our vote for OPOY [head shaking vertically emoji] @AsapPuka,” the Rams’ social media team posted about Nacua, who led the league in receptions during the regular season.
The NFL Honors program begins at 9 p.m. ET.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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