With the impending inclusion of Argentina in the Tri-Nations, the opportunities for an extra fixture will be scarce given the added workload. In 2008 a fourth Bledisloe Test was staged in Hong Kong and in 2009 the fixture was a success at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

"I'm not sure whether it will be Hong Kong or Tokyo, but it's highly likely there will be a fourth Bledisloe," he told AAP. "This will probably be the last time, but we've been very happy with our experience in Hong Kong and Tokyo the last two years and one more trip to Asia would be, I think, a good idea for us and I think New Zealand agree."

"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with the Blues. Cardiff is my home city and I'm very passionate about sport in the city and Cardiff in general," he said. "I'm fortunate that I've tasted some success early in my career but I remain as focused as ever to play my part in a successful Cardiff Blues team. Last season's achievements and disappointments have driven myself and the whole squad to work harder and strive for bigger and better things."

"Chris wants to stay and we want him to stay, but there are a few things away from the pitch to be resolved before he can commit," Duckworth told The Worcester News. "He has to make a decision and, from our point of view, we have to know quite soon so we can make plans for a top-class replacement if necessary.

"Chris is playing fantastically and has hardly put a foot wrong. He is a class act, both on and off the field, but it needs to be resolved if he is going to stay here or go back to Australia. "We said we needed to know by the New Year and, after Saturday's game with London Irish, we have a break from the Guinness Premiership and we will be able to sit down with him and discuss the situation."

"We commenced our training at Loftus on Monday with fitness tests and it was pleasing to see that all the guys are in excellent shape," he said. "Apart from injured players such as Bakkies Botha, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Akona Ndungane all the guys are fit and raring to go and I look forward to another splendid season."

Braid underwent surgery twice in 2009 but has returned for pre-season training with the Reds at Ballymore.

"It will be interesting to see if we get the opportunity to play on the same field at the same time, similar to what the Wallabies did with George Smith and Phil Waugh," he said. "Those two were able to beat teams on the ground and really create some turnovers. Being able to put that sort of pressure on opposing teams could also lead to three points when we're in their half."

A nod to Owain Glyndwr's crowning as Welsh Prince in 1404, the branding is one part of the region's new place in Welsh rugby. Ten Canadian internationals will supplement their existing playing stocks and the side currently have 10 fixtures on their slate for this year.