Bledisloe heading to Hong Kong

Australia and New Zealand are to stage a Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong in 2008

Australia and New Zealand will make history after accepting an invitation from the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union to stage a Bledisloe Cup match in the region on November 1.

The contest, which will take place at Hong Kong Stadium, will be the first game between the two nations at a neutral ground outside of a World Cup.

“It promises to be a full-blooded encounter between two of the sport's heavyweights,” said Australia RFU chief executive John O'Neill.

“This is not an exhibition game.”

Hong Kong is traditionally the main event on the Sevens calendar, but the addition of this fixture represents the extra ambition of the Hong Kong union to host more than just the annual sevens festival.

“The Bledisloe Cup is one of world sport's most storied trophies, with a history that dates back to 1931, and represents the pinnacle of trans-Tasman sporting supremacy,” said NZRU CEO Steve Tew.

“Together with our partner rugby unions, we are excited to accept Hong Kong's invitation to stage the first rugby international in Asia to feature two of the world's top teams.

“The match will make history and help promote rugby in a part of the world where it is developing quickly. We know both the All Blacks and the Wallabies have many fans in Asia and it is fantastic to be able to bring the game to them and to local rugby enthusiasts.”

With the addition of the Hong Kong match, the Bledisloe Cup will be decided over four Tests in 2008. Australia and New Zealand are scheduled to meet three times as part of the Tri-Nations Series and then contest the fourth and final match in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Rugby Union will host the match and will use the occasion to promote rugby with youth and club tournaments in the week leading up to the match and potentially a curtain raiser between Hong Kong and China on the day of the match.

“Hong Kong's status as a rugby destination continues to grow,” said HKRFU Executive Director Allan Payne.

“Teams and fans always enjoy the Sevens, but international 15-a-side rugby is another remarkable and distinct rugby experience. With millions watching on television around the world this is rugby at its best and a real showcase for Hong Kong.”

“The concept of the match has attracted a lot of interest since it was first mentioned last year. It is our aim to host events of this calibre on an annual basis.”