Rugby: Men in black are hot property around the world

The US are among the countries keen to host the All Blacks again. Photo / Getty

Japan in 2013, the United States in 2014, Samoa in 2015. A number of potential venues are vying to host the All Blacks in 2016, with Asia, Europe and the US all interested.

Playing one test a season outside the IRB release window is something the All Blacks appear committed to. Since 2005, they have looked to organise at least one test that is as much about making money as it is providing a rugby experience.

Typically, that extra test has been tagged on to the end-of-season tour and has usually been at a major European venue such as Twickenham or the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. But in 2008 and 2010, the All Blacks played the Wallabies in Hong Kong and, in 2009, they played them in Tokyo. Last year, they tackled Japan in Tokyo and, last week, they played the US in Chicago.

A test in Apia in 2015 is the only 'extra' game the All Blacks will play in World Cup year but they will soon begin the process of planning 2016.

It's understood the Japanese, who will host the 2019 World Cup, are eager for the All Blacks to return. Last year's test raised close to $1 million for the New Zealand Rugby Union and also gave the team a chance to play less experienced squad members. It's probable the All Blacks will have more younger players in the squad again in 2016, with a cleanout of senior personnel expected after the World Cup.

Another test in Japan en route to Europe has some appeal but there are other options. The US would have the All Blacks back again in a flash but there are concerns that to return so soon would dilute the impact. Early indications suggest the audience for the live stream of last week's test in Chicago surpassed expectations.

The prospect of playing a side such as Ireland in Boston or New York has long been talked about and remains a possibility.

The All Blacks are also understood to have been invited to play in Paris in 2016 to help celebrate a significant club centenary.

Singapore, who made an unsuccessful bid to host a Super Rugby franchise, have built a state-of-the-art stadium that needs to be filled. It's on the way to Europe, so a game there would make sense geographically but finding the right opponent would be hard.

What's also on the agenda is the prospect of taking Rugby Championship matches to neutral venues.

A promoter is believed to have tried to persuade South Africa to play the All Blacks in London next year.

With significant ex-pat populations in the English capital, filling either Twickenham or Wembley wouldn't be a problem but the Africans were not keen to take a 'home' Springbok game offshore.

The invitation was rejected for 2015 but it's likely other offers will be made and it's understood playing in London after next year is an idea that will be further explored.