The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) hailed the new international schedule today which will see Ireland, France and England visit for three-test tours from 2012-2014.
• See the full tour schedule here
The NZRU confirmed what they described as "blockbuster" tours today, with Ireland playing three tests in New Zealand in 2012, with France and England to do the same in 2013 and 2014 respectively. There was also the prospect of midweek matches on those tours, pending negotiations with the visiting unions.
The new international touring schedule was confirmed by the International Rugby Board (IRB) during its recent meetings in Europe.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said the new schedule was a "major step forward" for the game in the southern hemisphere.
New Zealand, Australia and South Africa would now host three-test series in June of each year.
Ireland's tour in 2012 would mark their first three-test series against New Zealand.
France's 2013 tour would be their first three-test series against New Zealand since 1968 while England's visit the following year would be the first three-test rubber between the sides in over 100 years of rivalry.
Tew has long bemoaned the lack of three-test tours, notably last year when the series against France was poised at 1-1 before a more low-key visit by Italy for a one-off test. It is a similar schedule next month when Ireland arrive for a solitary test before Wales play the All Blacks twice.
"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," Tew said.
Tew said midweek matches were a possibility in 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 said.
He said the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour demonstrated the interest from rugby fans in tours that go beyond test matches, while there was also a greater opportunity for visiting rugby fans to plan travel around a tour schedule.
Ireland have played two-test series in New Zealand in 2006, 2002 and 1992, while England have played the All Blacks in two-test series in 2008, 2004, 1998, 1997, 1985 and 1963.
The All Blacks played three-test series against France in 1968 and 1961.
