Sports Australia - Rugby Union Media Release: Test Rugby Series 2006 to be a bumper season for fans [Oct 5, 2005]

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Wednesday October 5, 2005

Rugby Union :: Australian Rugby Union

Test Rugby Series 2006 to be a bumper season for fans

Australian Rugby The Wallabies will host the biggest Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series next year since the British and Irish Lions toured Australia in 2001.

The South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions (SANZAR) have agreed to the format of the first year of the new, expanded Tri Nations series, with Australia to host South Africa twice and New Zealand once.

As well as three Tri Nations Tests in Australia, the Wallabies will also host Ireland and England, making it a big season for the national team and Rugby fans in Australia.

The Australian and New Zealand Rugby Unions agreed that two Bledisloe Cup matches will be played in New Zealand for the first year of the new series, keeping in mind that the last time the Bledisloe Cup was played over three Tests, Australia hosted two matches.

While dates and venues for the Test season are yet to be confirmed, ARU CEO and Managing Director Gary Flowers said Rugby fans can look forward to a bumper season.

"Every Test next year will be against top tier teams, making it a big season for the Wallabies and Rugby supporters alike," Flowers said.

"Everyone is looking forward to an expanded Tri Nations next year, particularly a three-Test Bledisloe Cup series.

"While it would be nice to host two Bledisloe Cup Tests next year, we need to be conscious that we hosted two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney in 1998.

"Also, given that we have such a strong inbound Test schedule including England and Ireland, it makes sense for us to host the two Bledisloe Tests in the second year of the expanded series."

"There are still a number of issues to finalise before we can announce dates and venues. We are still negotiating with venues in order to secure the best possible arrangements.

"While these negotiations are moving ahead very positively, it is a case of nothing being finalised until everything is finalised."

"The Tooheys New Super 14 schedule was announced today, featuring 94 top quality matches starting from 10 February. Follow that up with such a big Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series, and Rugby fans will be counting down the days until the start of a bumper season."