The Lions are safe until well into the next century after the International Board agreed a 15-year schedule of Test tours.

Despite recent gripping series in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, there had been suggestions that the Lions would tour less frequently or even be disbanded.

But the IB have stated: "The British and Irish Lions will tour South Africa, New Zealand and Australia every four years, playing three Tests on each tour. The Lions will tour two years after a World Cup."

Plans include a tour of Australia alone - for only the second time ever. The home unions have been warned, though, to avoid a repetition of last summer's fiasco when England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales sent under-strength sides to the southern hemisphere.

The IB have agreed that all World Cups should be played around October, irrespective of which hemisphere and despite the success of the 1995 World Cup, held in June in South Africa. For next year's World Cup in Europe there will also be rigorous anti-drug controls in place.

IB chairman Vernon Pugh laughed off the idea that England could be expelled from Test rugby after the English Rugby Union was asked to appear before a disciplinary board. The RFU have been asked to explain why they have concealed information regarding their clubs' application to the European Commission about releasing players for Tests, as well as a ruling on broadcasting rights.

England's case will be judged a five-nation panel which includes Ireland who, in theory, have the powers to expel the RFU from the board.