Rugby: Three-match Bledisloe Cup to be introduced next year

All Black captain Richie McCaw holds up the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri Nations cup in 2007. Photo / Greg Bowker

The All Blacks and Wallabies are set to play a third Bledisloe Cup test match every year, starting next year.

The additional and possibly deciding match will be hosted alternately between Australia and New Zealand, the New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions announced today.

The first additional match will be hosted by the Australian Rugby Union in October 2012 at the conclusion of the expanded Investec Tri-Nations.

That coincides with the planned introduction of Argentina into SANZAR's international competition.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said the additional test match was part of a new All Blacks programme agreed by the board which includes a three-match Steinlager Series (June), the new Investec Tri-Nations competition featuring Argentina (August to October) and the Northern Hemisphere tour matches (November).

Unlike previous additional matches, there are no plans to take the third match to offshore destinations.

He said the additional test has the support of the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association.

"We think the new schedule strikes the right balance in terms of a reduced number and better mix of games, the commercial opportunities necessary to help fund our sport, and for the team to have world-class competition."

Mr Tew said fan research in both Australia and New Zealand supported the Bledisloe Cup being contested over a three-match series.

- NZHERALD STAFF