South African rugby bosses have confirmed that informal talks have taken place with England and Australia about an annual Tri-Nations series.

In a statement released on Tuesday, SA Rugby Ltd said it "supports the concept as it would have several benefits for the three countries and the game in general".

"We have held exploratory discussions with Australia and England in this regard," the statement continued.

"And it has been agreed that we will jointly submit a full proposal to the International Rugby Board for discussion at its Council meeting in November.

"The concept requires IRB approval in terms of the current tour's schedules and its global development policies."

Earlier, Rugby Football union chiefs had played down speculation that England could play a part in the new series.

Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill claimed on Tuesday that the possibility of a new autumn series was "on the agenda".

But the RFU has responded by stating that they have yet to receive any formal proposal.

It is understood, however, that low-key informal discussions may have taken place.

Four-match series

Australia's plan would expand existing one-off Test match arrangements, featuring the Wallabies and Springboks, at Twickenham every November.

"It is on the agenda, and there is support for a triangular series," O'Neill was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

"From the meeting, we will now put forward a full proposal to the International Rugby Board with the hope of a triangular series beginning in 2004."

A four-match series is planned, with the three nations clashing once each before the top two teams play in a final, the newspaper said.

But in a statement, the RFU said the proposed series was not currently on their agenda.

"To date, the RFU has not received any proposals from Australia regarding a triangular series involving South Africa and England from 2004 at Twickenham," the statement read.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron added: "Our tours and development policy document has been with the IRB since October last year, and its broad principles have been in the public domain for some time.

"It does not include a triangular series at Twickenham.

"All ideas for revamping the tours schedule should be considered, and I am sure that there will be a significant amount of constructive debate before the IRB make their decision.

"We believe it is essential to link agreement on the new tours schedule to the IRB's global development policies.

"We need to generate new funds for the developing game."