Darren Lockyer led his side to Tri-Nations victory last year

The seven-game event will again begin in the Southern Hemisphere before moving to Britain.

However, both matches between Australia and New Zealand will now take place Down Under to reduce travelling.

The compromise was made after Australia originally held back on final approval over fears of player burn-out.

Dates and venues have yet to be decided and the Rugby Football League will again act as the tournament's organising body.

"We have today received confirmation that the format of the 2005 Tri-Nations Series is acceptable to all three parties," said RFL executive chairman and International Federation vice-president Richard Lewis.

"We can now begin the detailed planning and preparation to ensure that the staging of this year's tournament will build on the tremendous success of the inaugural event.

"The 2004 Series captured the imagination of the sporting public in the northern and southern hemispheres and proved to be a great vehicle for international rugby league."

The success of the 2004 Tri-Nations, which drew a combined attendance for the seven matches of 182,313 and produced a �750,000 profit, ensured that there would be a repeat.

However, there were fears about placing too much pressure on players and Australia warned that the 2005 competition would see changes after consultations with Test players and their National Rugby League clubs.

Australia are likely to host the 2006 Tri-Nations event.