FIRST Hong Kong. Next Japan - and even the United Arab Emirates. This year's historic Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong in November is expected to be followed by Tri Nations internationals held in such exotic locations as Tokyo and Dubai.

After yesterday's announcement that the Wallabies and All Blacks will play a fourth Bledisloe Cup Test at Hong Kong Stadium on November 1, Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill predicted that major Wallabies internationals would soon be played throughout Asia.

Also, South African officials have told O'Neill they are eager to play a challenge match against Australia off-shore, with Dubai one of the favoured locations.

The lure of the lucrative Asian sporting and financial market has prompted O'Neill, who was in Hong Kong for yesterday's announcement, to travel to Japan this morning in a bid to attract interest in future Wallabies Tests. There will also be discussions on whether a Japanese team should be included in an expanded Super 14.

When asked if Hong Kong would be the start and end of off-shore Bledisloe Cup fixtures, O'Neill replied: "I wouldn't exclude Tokyo, and I'm going there to spend a couple of days with the Japanese Rugby Union.

"But it may not just be Bledisloe Cup matches. Talking to South African officials over the last couple of days, it is clear they are keen to play a Mandela Challenge match off-shore."

However, all of this means the Wallabies will not have it easy in their bid to win back the Bledisloe Cup this year. The series being extended from three to four Tests means Australia will have to beat the All Blacks three times to wrest the Cup back, since a drawn series will see the silverware remain in New Zealand.

It was originally assumed the Hong Kong Test would not be part of the Bledisloe Cup series, but O'Neill said yesterday they wanted the November match "to have integrity and not be regarded as an exhibition game".

This would appear to increase the pressure on coach Robbie Deans, who is attempting to turn around a losing team. But O'Neill countered: "Robbie loves a challenge."

The Australian, New Zealand and Hong Kong unions will share the profits of the Test, to be played at the 40,000 capacity stadium, with the prime revenue sources being match ticketing, game sponsorships, corporate hospitality and travel packages.

"We're confident that between the three of us, we will do quite well out of it," O'Neill said. "There's been some crazy numbers floated around that we will each get $7-10 million.

"That's just not the case. If it all goes well, and it's a full house, it will be a nice profit for us - but not excessive."