Tokyo favourite to stage a fourth Bledisloe Cup clash in 2009

[jargan83]

Tokyo favourite to stage a fourth Bledisloe Cup clash in 2009

By Iain Payten

December 03, 2008

TOKYO is the new favourite to stage a fourth Bledisloe Cup clash in 2009, with John O'Neill admitting he wants Australian rugby to embark on a massive drive into Asia.

Following the success of the trans-Tasman clash in Hong Kong, O'Neill revealed the No.1 preference of the ARU and the NZRU is to stage an encore in Japan, ahead of London and Denver.

Advanced discussions about a Tokyo Bledisloe Cup fixture have already been held between the ARU, the NZRU, the Japanese Rugby Union and giant Japanese sports marketing company Dentsu.

"It is a continuation and re-enforcement of our strategic ambitions in Asia. If you have Hong Kong this year (and) Tokyo next year, it is a pretty significant statement we are serious about Asia," O'Neill said.

"Between New Zealand and ourselves, we have unambiguously said our preference next year is to continue to grow our presence in Asia through Tokyo.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html

[TOCC]

whilst i was looking forward on a trip to the US to watch the Bledisloe at Denver next year, i think it would probably be better for the game if they took the game to Tokyo instead.

[mudskipper]

agreed tokyo