 Wiki celebrates New Zealand's Tri-Nations victory last year |
Great Britain will take on New Zealand in June in the first Test held during a domestic summer season since the one-off game against Australia in 2002. The match will take place at Knowsley Road, home of St Helens, on 27 June and has been awarded full Test status.
New Zealand Rugby League has already stated that its squad will be selected from qualified players who are competing in Super League.
However, players in Australasia's NRL may also take part.
"It will be an exciting and highly competitive event," said Rugby Football League chairman Richard Lewis.
"It will provide the Great Britain team with a tremendously important and meaningful fixture which will greatly assist them in their preparations for the 2006 Tri-Nations.
"It will also provide supporters with the only opportunity to see the Lions in action in the UK during the current domestic season."
The sides last met in November last year when Great Britain won 38-12 in Huddersfield.
New Zealand, who went on to win the 2005 Tri-Nations, will be coached again by Brian McClennan.
"We are delighted that the Kiwis will be playing this mid-season Test against Great Britain," said NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett.
"The match is sure to provide our UK based players with a fantastic opportunity to represent their country and play themselves into contention for the Tri-Nations."