Unions set for big pay day - but next stop may be US
The historic ANZ Hong Kong 2008 Bledisloe Cup match tomorrow will 'exceed expectations' and make money for all three unions, Australian boss John O'Neill said yesterday.
It is estimated that the first offshore meeting in the 105-year history of the Bledisloe Cup between the All Blacks and the Wallabies will generate revenue of between HK$60 million and HK$70 million.
This will be mainly split between the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) receiving a sizeable sanction fee.
'Critics will say this game is being played for the money. Yes, it is, but the real test is 'will we be back?'. I say watch this space,' said O'Neill yesterday. 'This is the first step, but the best is yet to come.' The ARU chief executive, who said games of this nature would help promote rugby in non-traditional venues, also confirmed a fourth Bledisloe Cup tie could become an annual fixture in the future. But Hong Kong might not be involved next year.
O'Neill said: 'We have got a formal proposal from Denver in the United States to host the Bledisloe Cup next year. We are also talking to the Japanese about the possibility of holding the game in 2010 in Tokyo.'
It is understood the NZRU is pushing for the Bledisloe Cup to be played in Denver next year.
