Ireland to kick off new Test era against All Blacks in 2012

IRELAND will play a three-Test series against New Zealand for the first time in 2012, as the shape of International Rugby Board-approved tours changed following a new global schedule agreed in the last week.

New Zealand are also to host a series of blockbuster tours including further three-Test rugby tours by England and France in 2013 and 2014.

The development will allow for a return to old-fashioned tours where visiting nations will also play some midweek matches against provincial and Maori opposition.

While Ireland have never played a three-Test series against the All Blacks, they have played a two-Test series before: in New Zealand in 2006, 2002 and 1992.

England played the All Blacks in a two-Test series on six occasions: in 2008, 2004, 1998, 1997, 1985 and 1963. The All Blacks played a three-Test series against France in 1968 and 1961.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew described the new schedule as a major step forward for the game in the southern hemisphere with SANZAR countries now hosting three-Test Series in June of each year.

Ireland will kick off the new programme and experience for the first time a three-match series.

France will tour in 2013 in the first three-Test series against New Zealand since 1968 while England will tour in 2014 in what will also be an historic first ever three-Test series against the All Blacks.

“We have been pushing for a return to proper rugby tours and for three-Test series for some time now so to see it now become a reality is fantastic.

“We are excited by the prospect of a three-Test series each year and I think fans will be as well,” said Tew.

The new schedule also means the host nations will be able to explore the possibility of midweek matches for the visiting northern hemisphere sides, bringing back a modern version of the tours of old.

“We will start discussions with those countries about midweek matches in due course but we think it will be fantastic for fans if we can get some matches played outside of the main centres,” Tew added.

He said the 2005 British & Irish Lions Tour demonstrated the interest from rugby fans in rugby tours that go beyond Test matches, while there was also a greater opportunity for visiting rugby fans to plan travel around a tour schedule.

Meanwhile New Zealand loose forward Rodney So’oialo will play for the Barbarians against England and Ireland, suggesting he is set to miss New Zealand selection for at least their opening three Tests of the season.

The All Blacks are due to play Ireland and Wales (twice) over three weekends from June 12 but So’oialo has gone to join the invitational side in London for a match against England on Sunday and another against Ireland in Limerick the following Friday, with All Blacks coach Graham Henry’s full support.

Henry names his 26-man squad for the June Tests on Sunday.

So’oialo’s Hurricanes team-mate, wing David Smith, will join the Barbarians squad as injury cover.