THEO WALCOTT AND THE PREMIER LEAGUE TROPHY ARRIVE DOWN UNDER
12 March 2026 - Arsenal legend Theo Walcott arrived at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo today, bringing the iconic Premier League Trophy to one of the country’s most spectacular backdrops to launch a 10-day tour across Australia's east coast.
The launch was marked by an official press conference featuring Walcott alongside Stan Sport experts, including former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Bosnich and Socceroo Craig Foster. Hosted by Michael Atkinson, the panel discussed the trophy’s significance and the growing passion for the Premier League down under.
The formalities then took a lighthearted turn when Taronga’s resident Bush Stone-Curlew, Uma, was called upon to predict the 2025/26 Premier League champion. Faced with the crests of Arsenal and Manchester City, the "oracle" bird made her choice.
The Premier League trophy arrives just as the 2025/26 title race hits fever pitch. With Arsenal leading the charge and Manchester City lurking with a game in hand, the pointy end of the season is officially here.
Theo Walcott, Premier League Legend, said:
“It’s incredible to be here for the tour, to bring the Premier League trophy to Australia and for fans to see it in the flesh. My first experience of football was watching Australia play against Jamaica in Reading back in 2003. This is such a passionate sport and games like that inspired me to pursue football, and I’m now really excited to witness the next generation of players. What the Premier League does, the energy it brings, is sensational. I love that it brings different cultures together, because it’s so important for the game. Thank you for having me here, I’m really looking forward to the week ahead.”
Mark Bosnich, Stan Sport Expert, said:
“Massive welcome to Theo Walcott, thank you so much. To have Theo, who has played such a prominent role in football, come down here with the trophy gives inspiration for the next generation of young Australians. Not only boys, but girls as well. This is the main reason why it’s so important to have this tour, and to have Theo in Australia with this beautiful trophy, to show it around the whole of Australia. The support has been absolutely fantastic.”
Craig Foster, Stan Sport Expert, said:
“It’s great to see the Premier League trophy in town, and to be here with two of the great Premier League legends, known not just in Australia but all around the world. Australia has a very long history in the Premier League. We’ve had so many Australians who have competed at this level and inspired many generations of Australian kids, including me. I grew up watching the great Craig Johnston for Liverpool, and having this trophy here is a reminder of what so many Australians have been aspiring to win.”
Today’s trip to the zoo kicks off a 10-day tour across Australia’s East Coast, offering fans the opportunity to get up close with English football’s most prestigious piece of silverware.
The Sydney leg continues this Saturday, with the public invited to the Football Fan Fest at Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Theo Walcott, snap a photo with the Premier League trophy, watch a live recording of Stan Sport’s football show Added Time, and partake in dedicated skill zones.
Following Saturday’s Football Fan Fest, the Premier League Trophy Tour continues on to Melbourne and Brisbane.
Details on the full tour schedule can be found here.
Vision and images of Theo interacting with animals at Taronga Zoo will be uploaded here in the coming hours.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Hamish Birt
Head of Communications & PR - Sport, Stan
Hamish.Birt@stan.com.au
Eamon Gannon
Publicist - Sport, Stan
Eamon.Gannon@stan.com.au
March 11, 2026