Cairns looks set to host some of the world’s top rugby union players with plans to host a pre-season Super 15 clash between the Queensland Reds and New Zealand’s Canterbury Crusaders on January 29, 2011.

Cairns Regional Council today agreed to provide $20,000 to assist the organisers of the clash which, if successful, could be a regular feature on the Barlow Park sporting calendar for the next two years.

Cairns Mayor Val Schier said there would be significant tourism benefits generated by participants and visitors to the event.

“This match provides a great opportunity to showcase Cairns as a rugby and sporting venue and may lead to the region being selected to host international teams on a regular basis,” Cr Schier said.

“Promotion of this event will be significant, with organisers targeting both domestic and international visitors. There will be a strong marketing push aimed at Crusader fans. With Cairns’ direct flights to our New Zealand neighbours we could see an influx of visitors from across the Tasman." 

Both teams comprise Australian Wallabies and New Zealand All Blacks players with many of these players representing their countries in the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

In October, Council resolved to undertake a needs study for a major rectangular stadium for Cairns.