IRELAND HAVE agreed to travel to play New Zealand in a three-Test series for the first time. The tour will take place in the summer of 2012.

Ireland have previously faced the All Blacks on New Zealand soil in two-Test series in 1992, 2002 and 2006. However in accordance with the new IRB guidelines to bring back old-style touring arrangements, the two unions have agreed to a three-Test clash.

The likelihood is the Irish tourists would be encouraged to take in a couple of midweek matches against provincial teams. New Zealand also confirmed they would host similar ventures from France, England and Wales.

NZRFU chief executive Steve Tew said the new schedule is a major step forward. “We have been pushing for a return to proper rugby tours and for three-Test series for some time so to see it 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.”

Tew confirmed he would explore the possibility of asking touring teams to play midweek games. “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.”

Meanwhile, from a playing perspective, All Blacks’ coach Graham Henry faces some midfield problems ahead of Ireland’s arrival next month. Centre Isaia Toeava requires surgery and will be out for four months, thereby compounding the absence of Ma’a Nonu, the latter out for six weeks after rupturing a knee ligament.

Prop Tony Woodcock and outside centre Richard Kahui are also suffering niggling injuries which could disrupt preparations for the June Tests. Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, locks Ali Williams and Jason Eaton, back Mike Delany and hooker Andrew Hore have already been ruled out with injury.

Lock Tom Donnelly and fullback Mils Muliana are returning from injuries that kept them out of most of the Super 14 and are short on match fitness.

Leinster’s CJ van der Linde and Ulster tighthead prop BJ Botha have been named in the South Africa team to play Wales at the Millennium stadium next month.

Schedule for June Tours to New Zealand

2012Ireland – 3 Test matches.

2013France – 3 Test matches.

2014England – 3 Test matches.

2015Rugby World Cup.

2016Wales – 3 Test matches.

2017British & Irish Lions Tour.

2018France – 3 Test matches.

2019Rugby World Cup.

2019(Japan) – no June or November tours.