Ireland to play All Blacks in NZ in 2006

WELLINGTON - Ireland will play two tests in New Zealand and one in Australia next June, the Irish Rugby Union said.

The tour should mark the return to New Zealand of Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll, who dislocated his shoulder in the first minute of the opening test against the All Blacks in Christchurch last month.

O'Driscoll had surgery on the shoulder last week, though the BBC reported the 26-year-old is not expected to be fit in time to face Australia and New Zealand when they tour the northern hemisphere in November.

Eddie O'Sullivan's side will play Australia on June 10 before tests in New Zealand on June 17 and 24. Venues have yet to be confirmed.

Ireland last played the Wallabies in Australia at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium during the 2003 World Cup, where they lost 17-16.

They last toured New Zealand in 2002, losing 15-6 in Dunedin and 40-8 in Auckland.

The All Blacks meet Ireland on their Grand Slam tour of the four home nations on November 12. The Wallabies play Ireland at Lansdowne Rd a week later.

- REUTERS