The Rugby League International Federation's newly-appointed chairman Nigel Wood has again outlined plans for a British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2015.
"We are committed to it but the Australians have asked for a little more time to do some evaluation," said Wood, who became the first Englishman to head up the world body for 16 years when he was elected for a two-year term at the RLIF's recent annual meeting in Sydney.
"We are seeking something like a six-game tour, most likely a combination of Tests and mid-week fixtures against other rep sides.
"We hope that's a positive outcome but, if not, there will be a different version of international football in 2015."
Speaking in February as the RFL chief executive, Wood expressed frustration at the lack of progress by Australia in signing off proposals for the tour but, following his election, he is now in a stronger position to force the issue.
As 2013 World Cup tournament director, Wood helped deliver a profit in excess of STG3.7 million ($A6.75 million) and some of that cash will help to fund a dedicated international office, probably in Sydney, but he says the priority is establishing a full international calendar.
"The expectations for the 2017 World Cup are high, we've got nearly 40 nations playing the sport on a regular basis and rugby league will played as an exhibition sport at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"I think those six weeks last October and November lit a few fires and it's up to the RLIF to harness that."
Wood said funding has been agreed that will enable the European nations to press ahead with their fixture schedule and revealed that qualifying could start this year for the 14-team World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2017.
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