 New Zealand skipper Ruben Wiki with the Tri-Nations trophy |
Great Britain will begin their 2006 Tri-Nations campaign against defending champions New Zealand in Christchurch's Jade Stadium on 28 October. Following two years in England, the tournament is being jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand as part of the build-up to the 2008 World Cup.
After the opening game, the Lions will meet Australia in Sydney before taking on New Zealand in Wellington.
Their final group game is against Australia in Brisbane on 18 November.
For the third straight year, Great Britain will start their campaign after New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand and Australia open the tournament in Auckland on 14 October before meeting again a week later in Melbourne.
The final will be played at the Aussie Stadium in Sydney on 25 November.
"The tournament has been an outstanding success in the northern hemisphere for the past two years, playing to packed houses and with strong television ratings," said Australia Rugby League chairman Colin Love.
"Already the demand to see the series on home soil has been immense.
"It's a challenging logistical exercise but, judging by the backing we've received from corporate partners and by the interest level already displayed by the general public, we're confident we'll enjoy a very successful tournament.
"New Zealand's win last November has added an edge that has created the potential for the 2006 Tri-Nations to be one of the game's best-ever international series."
Tri-Nations itinerary:
14 October: NZ v Australia, Ericsson Stadium, Auckland
21 October: Australia v NZ, Telstra Dome, Melbourne
28 October: NZ v GB, Jade Stadium, Christchurch
4 November: Australia v GB, Aussie Stadium, Sydney
11 November: NZ v GB, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
18 November: Australia v GB, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
25 November: Final, Aussie Stadium, Sydney
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New Zealand's win last November has added an edge