Hong Kong's position as a global rugby destination will be strengthened with the return of the Bledisloe Cup in October, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union executive director Robert Knight said yesterday.
In 2008, a full house of 39,682 fans watched the All Blacks take on the Wallabies in the first offshore clash of the trans-Tasman giants at Hong Kong Stadium, and organisers are confident they can draw another sell-out on October 30.
'The economy is much better than last year and the proof of that was the unprecedented success of the Hong Kong Sevens,' Knight said. 'It would be right to make the assumption that the Bledisloe Cup will also be a success. We are confident of an excellent event and that it will be a full house once again.'
Last year, the HKRFU decided against hosting a second international event because of fears the economic downturn would adversely affect ticket sales to the public and corporates, and sponsorship.
All three unions - Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong - officially confirmed yesterday the Bledisloe Cup would return after the International Rugby Board gave its blessing.
'We got the IRB sanction [yesterday],' Knight said. 'Bringing back the Bledisloe Cup 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.'
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said: 'We are delighted to be returning to 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.'