England is to host New Zealand in a three-match Test series in 2015.
The series, which will fall in England's autumn, has been arranged following the collapse of the proposed Great Britain Lions tour during a break in the annual Four Nations Series.
International Federation chairman Nigel Wood, who is also chief executive of the , the Rugby Football League (RFL), was forced to look for an alternative international program after his bid to revive the Lions tour was dashed when the Australians insisted on giving their players a full off season.
The latest twist will be a major blow to France, who are forced to cancel their planned tour to New Zealand at the end of next season.
There will also be a clash with the Rugby Union World Cup being hosted in the UK, which was another factor behind the plan to tour Down Under.
England's last meeting with the Kiwis was their heart-breaking last-minute defeat in last November's World Cup semi-final at Wembley, although they will clash in Dunedin later this year when Australia and New Zealand host the 2014 Four Nations Series.
Wood said England was delighted to host the New Zealand team.
"The semi-final between England and the Kiwis in 2013 was one of the best international games between nations who have a history going back to 1907 and we are in for a treat when these two teams meet again."
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