Longer tours back in three years

Conventional tours are back on the International Rugby Board's agenda.

The IRB decided in Dublin yesterday that the tours should return to the international fixtures list from 2006.

The introduction of professionalism in 1996 virtually spelled the end of tours, with countries instead visiting one another for financially lucrative one-off tests.

The New Zealand Rugby Union welcomed the decision. Chief executive Chris Moller said in Dublin that scheduling had not been completed, but he expected international sides to visit countries for two to three tests, plus mid-week matches.

"It's certainly a step up from the one-off tests we've encountered in recent times," Moller said.

"We think that's a major step forward, and it was supported by a significant number of people.

"It should ensure we improve the entertainment and excitement to the fans and competition for the players."

The benefit of conventional tours was that they allowed countries to blood players at international level against mid-week teams before they graduated to the test arena.

As well, they generated a great deal of public interest as teams toured countries for weeks on end playing various opposition.

The Lions are scheduled to tour New Zealand in 2005, their first visit here since 1993.

* The IRB has agreed to review its player eligibility rules.

New Zealand was one of a number of nations who successfully pushed for a review.

Moller said it was hoped it would be completed in time for the IRB's next meeting in Sydney in November.

The NZRFU is keen to see the rules relaxed for players wanting to switch allegiance to another country after playing at international level in the sevens arena.

It is a sore point with the NZRFU - it has been accused of pushing for change at a time when outstanding Fijian winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca is starring in the Super 12 for the Blues.

Caucaunibuca, who plays at NPC level for Northland, is ineligible to play for New Zealand because he has played sevens for Fiji.

"There is no possibility of changes this year; there may be changes for 2004, but even that is not certain," Moller said.

"For our part we will not be arguing for any retrospective nature in terms of those changes."

He said "it is way off the mark" to suggest New Zealand had raised the issue "as a consequence of Fijian wingers doing so well in the Super 12."

Moller said any changes could benefit Pacific Island nations.

A number of former All Blacks of Samoan and Tongan descent are eager to continue their careers at international level with Pacific countries, something prohibited under the one-country rule.

"That's another one of the issues we want looked at," Moller said.

"We've been approached by former players with that suggestion. I'd have thought it would be wonderful for players who had finished their careers at the top level in New Zealand to then make a contribution to some of the island countries."

Moller said New Zealand was not alone in wanting the issues addressed.

"About 10 nations, including most of the Pacific Island countries, had petitioned the IRB to undertake this review."

- NZPA