Hong Kong Hosts Bledisloe Cup 2010

Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) is proud to announce today that Hong Kong will again host one of world rugby’s great contests in October when the New Zealand and Australia will return to Hong Kong for the first time since their historic encounter in 2008.

The HKRFU confirmed that the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions have accepted an invitation to play a match in Hong Kong, which will see the Bledisloe Cup series extend to Asia. The match will be played on October 30, 2010, and kick off at 4:30pm at Hong Kong local time (7.30pm AEDT; 9.30pm NZT).

“We always wanted to build on the tremendous success of the historic 2008 encounter, and are thrilled to bring the All Blacks and Wallabies back to Hong Kong,” said HKRFU Executive Director Robert Knight.

“Bringing the Bledisloe Cup back to Hong Kong will reinforce our position as a global rugby destination.” With millions watching on television around the world this is rugby at its best and a real showcase for Hong Kong. We are sure that the teams and fans alike will be in for a remarkable rugby experience,” added Mr Knight.

New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said, “We are delighted to be again returning to Hong Kong for the Bledisloe Cup Test. The All Blacks have a huge fan base in Asia and the team is again looking forward to meeting and playing in front of our fans in Hong Kong. There was an incredible response when the All Blacks played the historic Bledisloe Cup Test match there two years ago and we are expecting a similar experience.”

"The Bledisloe Cup is an event of major international significance," said Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill. "To take the game to Hong Kong for a second time in three years – and we went to Tokyo last year – is a sign that we are serious about embracing the Asian market. It's in Rugby's global interests to ensure our footprint becomes more distinct in Asia, and to build on the wonderful advances the Hong Kong Sevens has made for the code.

"Showcasing a fiercely contested Bledisloe Cup Test, one of the most keenly watched clashes in all of international Rugby, achieves that objective and also provides a unique 'neutral' setting for the Qantas Wallabies and All Blacks to experience."

HKRFU welcomes two teams playing the final match again in Hong Kong. They brought great international rugby action to the rugby fans in Hong Kong two years ago and we anticipate for more this year.

2010 BledisloeSeries

This year, Australia and New Zealand will meet three times as part of the Tri Nations Series and contest the final fourth match in Hong Kong.