Hong Kong to host historic Bledisloe Cup Test

The Australian and New Zealand Rugby Unions have agreed to play one tie in the 2008 Bledisloe Cup series in Asia, contesting the historic game at the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday 1st November.

According to New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew, "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."

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.

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. It is the first time the two teams have played each other outside of either Australia or New Zealand except for at Rugby World Cup, and the first time this important trophy has been up for grabs outside of Australia and New Zealand.

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.