Format of 2005 Tri-Nations tournament agreed (From Warrington Guardian)

Format of 2005 Tri-Nations tournament agreed

The format of the 2005 Tri-Nations tournament has today been agreed.

Following discussions, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand have all provided written confirmation that the outline schedule is acceptable to all three parties.

The tournament will contain seven matches including the final. The first two of these will be staged in the Southern Hemisphere and full details of all dates and venues will be released in due course.

Commenting on the decision, the Rugby League International Federation's Vice-Chairman and Executive Chairman of the Rugby Football League Richard Lewis said: "We have today received the required confirmation that the format of 2005 Tri-Nations is acceptable to all the participating nations.

"We can now begin detailed planning and preparation to ensure that the staging of the next tournament will build on the tremendous success enjoyed by the inaugural event.

"The 2004 Tri-Nations tournament captured the imagination of the sporting publics in the northern and southern hemisphere and proved to be a great vehicle for international Rugby League".

The Rugby Football League will act as the tournament's organising body.