News

Tokyo to host Bledisloe finale

June 30 2009

The fourth 2009 Bledisloe Cup Test between Australia and New Zealand has once again been confirmed to take place in Asia on October 31.

Japan's Rugby Football Union confirmed on Tuesday at a media conference it will stage the match at the National Stadium in Tokyo, which holds a capacity of more than 57,000.

New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Steve Tew was delighted with the decision, which he hopes will expand rugby to new markets.

"Building on the success of the Hong Kong match last year, we have agreed with Australia and our match hosts Japan, to schedule an additional Bledisloe Cup fixture again this year with the dual aim of growing the rugby footprint internationally and securing additional revenue which we can channel into our game in New Zealand," he said.

Meanwhile, his Australian counterpart Matt Carroll, believes the larger commercial market of Asia would build on already growing relationships.

"Playing in Tokyo is certainly in line with our strategic imperatives, announced at the start of 2008," he said, with both Tew and Carroll present at Tokyo's conference.

"As was outlined then, ARU is endeavouring to gain a share of valuable Rugby economies outside Australia.

"The game in Japan receives significant University and corporate support.

"It is also an important step forward in terms of sporting relationships between our two countries.

"We have briefed the Ambassador in Tokyo about our plans and he said he was delighted that we were bringing this game to Japan."

The 2009 Bledisloe Cup series:

July 18: New Zealand v Australia in Auckland

August 22: Australia v New Zealand in Sydney

September 19: New Zealand v Australia in Wellington

October 31: Australia v New Zealand in Tokyo