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.